27 Jul 2014

Having entertained jazz lovers in Botswana for a period of three years, Billy McCarthy was recently given a send-off fit enough for a man of his statue at BotswanaCraft.

Gaborone Jazz Collective played with him for the last time before he returns to the United States. Being a drummer in one of the most respected jazz outfits in Botswana if not Africa, Gaborone Jazz Collective saw it fit to have one last performance with their beloved drummer and give him a proper send-off.

Like a departed soldier who enjoys a twenty-one gun salute, it was apparent that Billy McCarthy should enjoy the music that had been part of him for all his life as he went back to his native country.

Billy McCarthy had been a solid drummer if not awesome for Gaborone Jazz Collective over the three years he has been with them and his last performance was nothing short of superb.

With Andrew Chinganga (saxophone and flute), Zacharia “BraZakes” Gwaze (lead guitar), Bonolo Mogotsi ( Piano), Kabelo Tumukate (Base guitar) all by his side, the five man band brought down the house at Botswana Craft as they serenaded jazz lovers with song after song.

Andrew was amazing on the saxophone and his trusted flute and had the crowd in awe as he did what he knows best. It was as if he was talking to his instruments and they in turn listened to every word he said and obliged to his every command.

Not to be outdone by his band mate, BraZakes on lead guitar had his moments too. Sitting on a stool and carefully caressing his guitar, the elder statesman played his heart out. With the crowd shouting out his name, BraZakes did not disappoint one bit.

As for the man of the moment, Billy McCarthy, known in jazz circles as Billy Mac, he made sure to close down a chapter in his life as he moves on to another one with a tantalizing performance on drums.

Words cannot explain what the man did and one would have to been there to witness greatness at play. He was simply in his own class and enjoyed himself as he bid his band mates farewell.

His drum antics were supreme and were just second to none. It was as if drums and person were one and Billy sure did put his all into his last performance.

The passion and love he showed were pretty amazing and it was evident that the man was in his grace land.

Gaborone Jazz Collective played their many hit songs among them Celebrate and Ngakurakwa.

Now that they have closed a chapter in their musical journey, Gaborone Jazz Collective will move forward without Billy McCarthy and continue to dish out their jazz tunes. It remains to be seen who they will rope in to fill the big shoes of Billy Mac. ENDS