Cape Town - Cape Town jazz songstress Melanie Scholtz has released her debut album, Seven, taking a bite out of the Big Apple as it channels her life in the concrete jungle where she now lives.
Scholtz describes the 12-track album, under Ropeadope Records, as a journey of sound and soul.
The internationally acclaimed vocalist and composer said: “This new offering is a deeply personal, sonic journey inspired by seven transformative years living and creating in New York City that will thrill existing fans and garner new ones.
“Love brought me to the Big Apple and even though that never worked out, I now understand its purpose. New York City is not for the wall flowers and even as an African, knowing that I have thicker skin than most and the survival skills to endure many things, there really is no place like New York on the planet. It really is the city of dreams and anything can happen from one moment to the next.
“For the past seven years, I’ve had an on and off love affair with New York. I had to work many odd jobs to make a living, pay for my green card and just survive in New York.”
The celebrated artist with deep roots in South Africa has won numerous accolades, including the prestigious Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz in 2010.
The album showcases Scholtz’s distinct blend of urban grit, South African rhythms and emotive. She has performed across world, including in Czech Republic, Slovakia, Germany, France, Italy, Norway, Sweden and the US. Raised in Mitchells Plain, Athlone and then Fish Hoek, she says Heritage Month reminded her of the aromas of home.“I truly miss the food and the way we season and flavour our cuisine, something very special that can’t be replicated and found just anywhere. I also miss all my family and close soul friends back home.” She describes the album as one based on dreams, capitalism, love and the magic of being in the right place at the right time.
Seven was produced by Bokani Dyer and recorded in DyerTribe Studios in South Africa and Scott Kettner Studios in New York. It features top South African musicians Benjamin Jephta (bass) and Marlon Witbooi (drums), as well as special guest appearances from Paul Carlon (saxophone) and Mark Collins (trumpet). The album is available on all digital streaming sites.
The album is available on all digital streaming sites.
Weekend Argus