Just Jinjer lead singer Ard Matthews' vocals takes the song to a new high with his soulful style and uniquely identifiable voice.
“There are a few artists that I’ve always wanted to cover with Ard. Stevie Wonder and Nat King Cole were at the top of the list but we never really had the opportunity with Just Jinjer.
"Lockdown provided us with the opportunity to do things differently, so we took it and have really appreciated all the positive feedback the video got and are happy we could add some joy to people’s lives, even briefly,” says Harris.
The song really vibes as five legends came together for a “jam” and made magic with the undeniable influence of Bez Roberts, who also plays with Mafikizolo, and his famed red trombone, Mark Watson on keys, who has a star-studded history playing with numerous South African legends including Bongo Maffin, and long-time friend and Grammy Award-winning producer Verny Scholtz.
I caught up with Just Jinjer's Brent Harris last week.
Tough one, terrible year for most (Covid-19) but we have to be optimistic right!
For us, fame is about 3mins. One massive hit song that can change your world.
Not sure about this one, can't picture retiring even if money allowed.
Vegan.
Music after family is everything to me. I’d be lost without it.
Seeing tears and smiles in the audience after a performance that hit a home run.
Watching a fan stage dive into a parting mosh pit and hitting the mud hard. That was a goodie.
Fiona Harris
Jeff Porcaro
Sting
John Bonham
Dave Grohl
Fiona Harris, my wife, stuck with me through thick and thin against many odds and obstacles, many health issues I faced and she was my pillar of strength. Fiona was also an awesome mom through it all.
Not sure, possessions aren't as important to me as before. I have a framed signed Gareth Bale Tottenham shirt which will be given to my son when he turns 13 next year. That’s pretty cool.
Coffee Freezo’s.
Play before U2 - we did that in 1998, I think, in Cape town. A night I will never forget. Now…… Would kill to jam with Stevie Wonder or Paul Mcartney.
Hyperactive, loyal, hardworking, faithful, impatient.
Weeping - Bright Blue
Breathing - Prime Circle
Treasure – Tree 63
What he Means – Just Jinjer
Rise above – Seether
Asimbonanga – Johnny Clegg
“As good as it gets” with Jack Nicholson/Greg Kinnear. Writing was superb.
“Last of the Mohicans” with Daniel Day Lewis – music score by Dr Trevor Jones from Cape Town.
Too many to mention but one comes to mind: And I Love Her byPaul McCartney.
I love many, especially my family and my Just Jinjer brothers Ard and Denholm.
Importunate.
Skinny jeans.
“Everything's Just Jinjer" was our slang for everything's cool, everything's just dandy.
To play drums or percussion with Toto. I did that in 1997 at Standard Bank Arena.
My family because they are everything and more, couldn’t ask for more.
Sleep.
Being trapped under ground in a confined space.
Biggest question out there, who knows the real answer. Doing what you love with the people you love.
Over prepare, we don’t often rehearse but my mind doesn’t stop when leading up to a gig.
Don’t over play or over think in a studio setting, less is often way more.
Loyalty is very important to me in personal life and in business. Relationships are key.
Not so much, but I feel that doing charity work is very important, knowing you are helping people less fortunate with your talent. We do a few of those. Wingz of Change is one that comes to mind.
Havent a clue, taking one day at a time for now.
To be continued...