Sharon Katz & The Peace Train
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
Highly recommended Afro-pop - A. Petrusich
Persistent vibe..Mbaqanga, Kwela and Township Jazz have a strong spiritual presence in her sound..Katz sings this style with special flair. - Philip Van Vleck
..revels in rhythmic nuances..percolation of Afro-pop with zealous celebratory pieces offset by somber, sometimes strident commentaries..an important cultural catalyst - Tom Moon
infectious rhythms,intoxicating blend of pop and world music with a political conscience..rich mixture of guitars, horns and percussion pours forth to create a soundscape as multifaceted as Africa itself. - Ronnie D. Lankford Jr
..staccato, twinkling notes fly from the frets of her guitar, all while maintaining a muscular rhythm..an uplifting aural swirl of funk, jazz and African folk music. - Richard Cuccaro
If Ladysmith Black Mambazo had a band, it would sound like this..irrresistable..try getting the gently teased electric guitar lines and piquant horns out of your head. - Mary Armstrong
Extraordinatry musical ability. Engaging concerts for general audiences and interactive workshops for children received very enthusiastically.
..undeniable artistic merit professionalism and commitment. - Jennie Wasserman
..smoky voice with traces of Cleo Lane sensuality..pulsing, powerfully political and truly African and American..a half hour after the performance, Katz was still receiving praise from well-wishers - Annette John Hall
..shows what focus, tenacity and talent can do..uplifting fusion of African and western musical styles that delighted the Durban (South Africa) audience..demonstrated how the workable fusion of disparate musical styles can offer a model to a divided society - Anthea Johnston
Amazing!..lights a fire in the soul of audiences..incredible music and message - Beth Rose
Discography
"Crystal Journey" featuring 100 voice choir;
"Imbizo" on Grammy nomination list for Best World Music Album;
"Lerato" featuring Afro-jazz diva, Dolly Rathebe;
"Nashosha" with women’s music collective in Durban, South Africa;
“Carnival!” with Sting, Elton John, Madonna, & Tina Turner;
“Live in New York City with Pete Seeger” DVD
"Double Take" with Abigail Kubeka and Dolly Rathebe
Photos
Bio
Nominated for the Grammy’s “Best World Music Album” list for their first US release, the exhilarating, multicultural, South African band of Sharon Katz & The Peace Train helped Nelson Mandela usher in the ending of apartheid. Making history in 1992 with her 500-voice multiracial choir, Sharon then organized a courageous tour on board a train –The Peace Train – taking 150 musicians and her friends Ladysmith Black Mambazo across South Africa to spread their musical message of peace and reconciliation in advance of Mandela’s selection as the country’s first democratically elected President.
With CNN’s coverage and an invitation to perform at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Sharon Katz & The Peace Train were propelled into an international career that has spanned three continents and coast-to-coast US appearances including Carnegie Hall’s World Music series in New York; The Getty in LA; Disney World’s International Festival; Philadelphia Folk Festival; Smithsonian Institution’s African Art Museum; Alaska’s Performing Arts Center, Des Moines’ Civic Center; Hudson River Clearwater Festival; New York City's Joe's Public Theater; Bethlehem’s Musikfest; Philadelphia Art Museum; World Café Live; and numerous college campuses.
Now based in America, the versatile group of musicians, singers, dancers and workshop leaders thrills crowds of all ages and sizes in intimate venues, performing arts centers, schools, festivals and stadiums. The size of the band can be reduced to a duo, trio or quartet, or expanded up to 10 musicians and dancers, depending on local budgets. In all cases, they take audiences on a joyride from the traditions of Mother Africa to the electrifying jazz-folk-rock fusions of today, with the band’s driving beat, powerful dances and compelling harmonies leaving everyone standing on their feet cheering for more.
Their school and university programs combine diversity education with interactive entertainment adaptable for all ages. Cultural collaborations are their specialty and range from teaching African songs and Zulu dancing to local choirs and dance groups, to full-scale community events that can include bands or symphony orchestras. They can be booked for one-show only events, week-long residences, or extended arts-in-education programs throughout an entire city or state.
Recordings include “Imbizo” on Billboard’s Highly Recommended list and Grammy nomination list for Best World Music Album; “Crystal Journey” featuring the original mass choir; “Lerato” with the legendary Afro-jazz diva Dolly Rathebe; “Nashosha” with singers from KwaZulu; “Live in NYC with Special Guest Pete Seeger;” "Double Take" with Abigail Kubeka and Dolly Rathebe; and “Carnival!” with Sting, Elton John, Tina Turner and Madonna.
Sharon Katz & The Peace Train also use proceeds from their concert appearances to support their humanitarian work in South Africa and around the world including music therapy with orphans and communities affected by HIV/AIDS; feeding programs in poverty-stricken communities; conflict resolution work in violence-torn regions; and building schools and community arts centers in under-developed areas.
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