#MusicExchange: Rapid-fire Q&A

Saxophonist Dan Shout has quite a following. Image: Supplied

#MusicExchange: Rapid-fire Q&A shout-out to Dan Shout

One of SA’s most skilled saxophone players, Dan Shout, has a new single out and can’t think of anything he’d rather do than make music.

#MusicExchange: Rapid-fire Q&A

Saxophonist Dan Shout has quite a following. Image: Supplied

Cape Town saxophonist Dan Shout is super chuffed with the release of his new single, Angola (Bheki Mseleku), on all digital streaming platforms.

The track features American trumpeter Gordon Vernick, from Atlanta, Georgia, the United Kingdom’s Karl Vanden Bossche on percussion, and the legendary Capetonian musicians Andrew Ford on piano, Dave Ridgway on double bass and Kevin Gibson on drums.

Dan Shout was also in the late Johnny Clegg‘s band as the beloved South African musician’s horn player for more than seven years.

The South African catches up with Dan Shout

Dan Shout is well known on the Cape Town music scene and spent several years playing in the late Johnny Clegg’s band. Image: Supplied

The new decade means?

The Roaring 20s Part II — once the little matter of a global pandemic is resolved!

Fame is about?

Using one’s platform to make a difference. 

Retirement will happen when?

My wife’s retirement annuity is paid out. 

I don’t do?

Jacob Collier. 

What does music mean to Dan Shout?

Friends I’d otherwise never normally make, places I’d otherwise never normally travel, food I’d otherwise never normally taste, feelings I’d otherwise never normally experience. 

Cape Town’s Dan Shout is known for his sax appeal, but is also an adept horn player. Image: Supplied

My music is about?

The upside and positive side to living in Southern Africa in this day and age. 

I would love to co-write with? 

Maria Schneider. 

Where do you go for inspiration to create?

My practice booth. The more I practise, the more ideas I get.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of your work?

Playing alongside incredible musicians. 

The song you must do in every show?

Bennie’s Farm.

Watch Dan Shout perform ‘Bennie’s Farm’ here:

Any funny moments on stage?

While I was doing a gig at a restaurant, Scarra Ntubeni requested me to play Happy Birthday for Pieter-Steph du Toit in front of the Stormers team. I gladly obliged and hammed it up big time, but Pieter-Steph wasn’t looking chuffed at all, as all the Stormers jumped up around the table, pointed fingers and laughed at him.

I was later told by Eben Etzebeth that it was a prank and that it wasn’t Pieter-Steph’s birthday at all. I asked if next time they could possibly get me to annoy someone slightly smaller than the Bok forward!

My heroes?

South Africans who have cracked it at an international level… Robyn Curnow, Dr Trevor Jones, Siya Kolisi, Charlize Theron, Brad Binder, Daryl Impey, Trevor Noah and the like. 

Your style icon? 

Cyril Ramaphosa. 

Which living person do you admire most and why?

Melania Trump. Anyone who can put up with Donald deserves admiration. 

What is your most treasured possession?

My Selmer Mk VI Tenor Sax. 

It’s your round; what are you drinking?

Aegir Craft Beer if available, otherwise Tafel or Windhoek Lager.

Dream gig to do?

Snarky Puppy or The Cat Empire. 

Nicknames?

Shout, Skree, Disco. 

If you were not a musician, what would you do?

I’ve had a lot of time to think about this with lockdown over the last 10 months or so, and I still can’t find something I’d like to do other that music!

Who would play you in a Hollywood blockbuster and why?

Jason Stratham, because he’s almost as ripped as me. 

Pick five words to describe yourself?

Loyal, diligent, stubborn, hustler, thirsty. 

Five favourite South African albums of all time?

  • Juluka — The Best of Juluka
  • Hog Hoggidy Hog — Oink
  • New Academics — The Apple
  • 7th Son — Fire in the Rain
  • Blues Broers — Into the Red

Greatest movie ever made?

Well, not sure about movie, but Chasing the Sun is dope!

What books are you reading?

Gordon Ramsay’s Humble Pie.

What song changed your life? 

Woza Friday by Juluka.

Who do you love?

Rory Lancellas [Lancellas launched the Aegir Project Independent Brewery in Cape Town in 2015].

Favourite fashion item?

Pinstripe suit jacket. 

Top of your bucket list?

To cycle Wines2Whales.

What do you complain about most often?

COVID.

What is your fear?

Western Province rugby descending into further chaos. 

Happiness is?

Rugby player Seabelo Senatla in full flight. 

On stage I tend to?

Close my eyes and blow my own horn!

The best life lesson you have been taught?

Prepare for a rainy day.

Do you get worked up while watching a sports game on TV?

Absolutely! My fingernails are never normally this long, since there haven’t been the usual Bok, Super Rugby and World Sevens games on the telly.

Where would you like to be right now?

Tokyo. 

Do you do charity work and if you do, what do you do?

I raise funds for my alma mater to create music scholarships to attend the school utilising a big band of alumni musicians. I’m also a member of the Barristers Regulars Association which raises more than R100,000 a year for Maitland Cottage Home in Cape Town.

What are your wishes and dreams?

To be a dynamo and creator of cool things for the Cape jazz scene.

Check out Dan Shout’s website at www.danshout.co.za.

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