The final Countdown . . .

Dear Friends

We are a few hours away from knowing if we will be able to afford to record the Sound of You Songbook 

Thanks for all your support so far! Once we get funded we are planning to record the album in July and you can get an exclusive digital download as soon after that as possible.

There are two ways you can help us do it - 

or
donate directly using PAYPAL

The minimum to secure a download is $10
and other rewards like cards, songbooks, music sheets etc. can be viewed on the pledge music site

The more you pledge the more you get!

Meanwhile all pledgers get a personal thank you from me - a copy of Shapeshifter - so far 90 people have downloaded it so hope you are enjoying that extra music whilst you wait for the Sound of You.

Today is the last day to be part of the crowd funding campaign for the Sound of You Songbook - a collection of beautiful, melodic songs in the jazz tradition with a sound that stretches from New York to London to Johannesburg and beyond - sung by Estelle Kokot and written by jazz legend Chico Freeman and composer/lyricist Jan Pulsford.

thanks again

Jan

Join us on Facebook and see it happen


Touching Down, 82% Funded & Not Long To Go! Read On...


I want to say a MASSIVE THANK YOU
to all you fabulous Pledger's who have come to the party and supported The Sound of You. Without you we would not be on 82%!

We are so very close now.. all we need is another 18% to reach our goal then we can finally get to record this album!

If you haven’t jumped on board yet, please do go and make a pledge, because every little bit helps and every single pledge is appreciated.


South Africa is my home from home, but after being away for more than 3 months it’s good to be waking up in my own bed for a change!

 After a fantastic time in South Africa, I can't wait to get into the studio to get The Sound of You recorded! The new music was very well received and I am excited about getting the CD out there, to YOU!
  
Our first Sound of You gig was at The Crypt in St Georges Cathedral followed by two nights at intimate listening venue Straight No Chaser. A highlight of the Cape Town run, was being invited by Martin Myers to speak at the Music Exchange Conference 2014.


Three lovely starter gigs kicking off in Cape Town, next stop Johannesburg. Herbie and I flew the following day and Kevin joined us on the 19th of March.

Photo taken at The Orbit Jazz Club on the 19th of March 2014 by Siphiwe Mhlambi

We performed the first ever Wednesday night on the 19th of March at brand new state of the art jazz club, The Orbit. The Sound of You was up and running and in Gauteng! Back over the Easter weekend on the 19th of April with Herbie Tsoaeli on bass, Prince Lengoasa on trumpet and flugelhorn and Tumi Mogorosi on drums, we had a ball!
Photo of me and Herbie Tsoaeli by Jan Van Heerden

Prince Lengoasa photo by Jan Van Heerden
Photo of Tumi Mogorosi by Jan Van Heerden
 

 




The Afrikan Freedom Station... one solo performance and one duo gig with Herbie next.I love Steve Mokwena's place. This artist, historian, film-maker and cultural activist has captured something that can't really be put down in words. One thing is for sure though, it's all about being yourself and enjoying the love!

Afrikan Freedom Station  - the room at the back

Photo by Bobby Marie taken at Afrikan Freedom Station
After a performance for Jazz & African Music Nights at The State Theatre we did a special evening at The Lucky Bean in Melville. Every gig was a highlight for me, but our trip to Durban to celebrate 20 years of democracy in South Africa at The Rainbow Restaurant in Pinetown tops the list.


Photo of Herbie Tsoaeli at The Rainbow by Mzi van der Mtola
Photo of Kevin Gibson at The Rainbow by Mzi van der Mtola
Photo at The Rainbow by Mzi van der Mtola

We raised enough at the door for at least two cleft palate operations for Operation Smile and it was a joy to do something for this very worthy cause. Owners Neil and Nicola Comfort run a tight ship, but the vibe here on a Sunday afternoon is unmatched.
Thanks goes to Concerts SA and SA Breweries for taking care of the costs.

With Mamsie at The Rainbow
Taking a bow at UKZN. Photo by Mamsie Ntshangase
The Sound of You South African Tour Part 1 ended with a vocal workshop and a concert at the University of Kwa Zulu Natal (UKZN).




Here are some memorable moments in the Dinokeng Game Reserve taken by my friend Marie Vlok.
Dinokeng Sunset




I think that fence gives you a false sense of security.
I found out after I had been sitting there for an hour having my morning coffee and enjoying these beauties who had come to drink, that they think nothing of backing into an electric fence and charging.


This young fellow had me backing away...

Dinokeng Sunrise in the bush. Photo by Marie Vlok

 Quality time with Einstein the parrot in Muizenberg Cape Town


Plans are in the pipeline for a follow up tour in October in South Africa and two concerts are
already confirmed. In the meantime, there's still time to make a pledge
so please click  HERE! Thank you for reading!
Hugs and love xx Estelle