Capetonian Jaryd Philander was 11 years when he first played strings under the tutelage of his local teacher. He is a down to earth human being, devout Christian and husband. “I love to connect and empower people through the gift of music”, he told Jazz It Out. As a youngster, he would listen to Aiden Thomas at Heart FM when his parents drove him and his sister to school.

He always enjoyed music from a very young age. “Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Butler, Tucan Tucan were some of my fondest memories”, he recalls. His mother would often play worship music in their home which is probably where the worshipper in him began. He started learning classical guitar which is something he did for two years and really loved. “But when I got to high school, my grades took a knock. I gave up guitar and music, which is something I deeply regret doing”, he confessed.

Jaryd Philander. Picture by Gregory Franz

Jaryd got reunited with music when he joined the youth band at his church. “That sparked the desire to do music again. I told myself once I’m done with school, I would find a teacher and resume learning”, he said. Like most youngsters at the time, he had a different palate for music. “I was more into Pop, RnB, Rock and Heavy Metal”, he recalls. He would listen to artists and bands like Blue, Usher, Michael Jackson, Avril Lavigne, Maroon 5, Nirvana and Metallica.

After matriculating, he studied Health and Fitness. “I obtained my exercise specialist diploma after two years”, he said. He also joined the electrical engineering field where he studied and worked as an electrician for two years. It was in 2018 when he turned professional. Most of his teachings originate from Alvin Dyers, Elton Goslett and currently Michael Bester. These teachings have aided him in honing his sound to be a well-rounded musician, composer, arranger, and live performer.

Through one of his compositions titled “Prayer of Hope”, he emphasizes the importance of crossovers in musical genres. It is a song he composed after going through a tough time with a message of hope for better things to come. It also reminds him as a born again Christian that life has its highs and lows which requires faith in God, something that is often easier said than done. “The Gospel According to Jazz” DVDs by US saxophonist Kirk Whalum are some of his favourite recordings.

Nothing can separate him with his guitar. Picture by Daniel Petersen

He feels most comfortable as leader of the Jaryd Philander Quartet. It includes trumpeter Keegan Steenkamp, bassist Joshua Nemaire and drummer Joshua Klein. “The other version of my project has Daniel Dippenaar on saxophone, Nick Ford on bass guitar and Joshua Klein on drums”, he said. The other comprises of Keegan Steenkamp, bassist Chadleigh Gowar and drummer Timothy Fortes. The decision to form this ensemble was inspired by the John Coltrane Quartet. “The energy and the vibe of being in a quartet is amazing. I would love to add a piano player at a later stage”, he said.

His music is a blend of Jazz, Afro and Gospel that incorporates traditional and modern harmony. He feels priviledged to have played alongside many great musicians. “Each member in the group brings a different energy and feel to my original compositions which I love. This has allowed me to grow and mature as a musician and band leader”, he confessed. When he performs live, he gives members of his ensemble solo performances which are always well received by enthusiasts.

As someone who was born and raised in the Mother City, he acknowledges that Cape Jazz is an integral part of the city’s heritage and culture. Songs such as “Mannenberg” by Abdullah Ibrahim are an example of what Jaryd describes as Cape Jazz. “One has to look at it from the angle of how the music grooves when instruments are locked together”, he said. The other is what music represents in terms of history and culture. “Cape Jazz is a genre of music steeped in expressing and appreciating the diversity and beauty of music”, he added.

Jonny Boy – Jaryd Philander Quartet

For Jazz to be more accessible to a wider audience, he is of the opinion that there needs to be a plan to have more venues playing the genre. In that way, more people could be exposed to it. A more long term approach may be to have a union for Jazz musicians that could help musicians grow their careers and reach a bigger audience. He has also observed that South African Jazz artists are gaining more global recognition. “I have seen more opportunities for SA musicians studying abroad and getting residency at prestigious venues”, he has noticed.

Jaryd would love to release an album, get featured on other Jazz recordings and embark on nationwide and global tours. “I also wish to go overseas and have residency at renowned venues”, he said. With all the hard work, those wishes can turn into reality. When he is not recording nor performing, he loves to visit the gym for an exercise, read the Bible, spend time with his wife and watch a good series, movie or sport.

His favourite musicians are Michael Bester, Alvin Dyers, Errol Dyers, Cameron Ward, Keenan Ahrends, Reza Khota, Jimmy Dludlu, Jonathan Butler, Buddy Wells, Frank Paco, Bheki Mseleku, Andile Yenana, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Sisonke Xonti, Benjamin Jephta, Peter Bernstein, Charles Altura, Lionel Loueke, Adam Agati, Mike Stern, Pat Metheny, John Scofield, Cory Henry, Marcus Miller and Mike Moreno. Subscribe to his YouTube channel Jazz with Jay. Follow him on Instagram @Jaryd_jazzy7Philander and like his Facebook Page Jaryd Philander Music.