Since 2012, SAXIT! has been developing their vibrant and diverse sound and pushing the boundaries of the saxophone ensemble, performing a multitude of musical styles without a rhythm section. The band has performed at notable festivals such as the National Arts Festival (NAF), Infecting the City Public Arts Festival and performed at the Oude Libertas Summer Concert Series in Stellenbosch. Following their NAF performance, Cue Magazine wrote: “The repertoire ranges from upbeat to melancholy to celebratory. This easy-going band of musicians does themselves proud!”
The band is formed by Joel Benjamin (Alto/Soprano sax), Jade de Waal (Alto sax/flute), Simon Bates (Tenor sax/flute), and Gareth Harvey (Baritone sax/bass clarinet). Asked about the role of live performance, Gareth says: “Music to most people runs close their hearts and one of the main things SAXIT! would like people to feel is, firstly, being present in the experience and not distracted by the material world. Secondly, to simply enjoy themselves. Then, our workshops aim at empowering music students with skills in developing their own careers and mastering their instruments.”
SAXIT! have collaborated in an animated short film project titled Heart and in 2015 released their debut self-titled EP. Music journalist Gwen Ansell wrote about their debut EP: “Modest in scale the release may be, but it’s an engaging and genuinely enjoyable debut, and definitely worth your ears. (…) The voice and texture of each reed sings through clear and beautiful. The playing is impressive: precise without being pedantic; empathetic, and infused with the undisguised joy of the players, with intelligent solos from everybody. Harvey creates good material. There are more catchy hooks than you might expect to find in saxophone quartet territory, and some melodies that pack a real emotional punch. (…) It has taken hard work to sound as good as SAXIT! does.”
SAXIT! Quartet’s tour is supported by the Music Mobility Fund, a funding mechanism administered by Concerts SA which offers opportunities for South African musicians to undertake live music tours.
