Jazzy affair: Renowned Russian saxophonist, Igor Butman, wows jazz lovers at CTIJF 2025

Jazz aficionados made sure that they didn't miss out on the lively sounds of renowned Russian saxophonist, Igor Butman, as he took to the Rosies Stage at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival (CTIJF) last night (Saturday, April 26).

Together with his quartet, which includes Oleg Akkuratov (piano), Nikolay Zatolochny (double bass) and Eduard Zizak (drums), they delivered an electrifying performance at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC).

Lovers of all things jazz are well acquainted with the skill needed to allow for improvisation in music performances. Jazz artists are known for having that expert ear, and musicality, as they would take a rhythm and pass it along to each other - all while keeping their performance beautifully blended.

Jazz music thrives through musicianship; this level of skill was on display during Butman and his quartet’s performance.

Many people in the audience couldn't help but tap along, and groove in their seats, as the melodic sounds rang out on the Rosies Stage, even prompting numerous instances of applause. 

Addressing the crowd, Butman said: “We’re thankful to Dr (iqbal) Survé for inviting us to this great Cape Town International Jazz Festival…We're very happy to be here in South Africa.”

Their music programme featured hits from more than 10 of his albums, and he also told audiences that they were going to be playing some jazz standards, alongside the original material.

Ahead of his performance, the globally renowned musician explained in an exclusive interview with “Independent Media” that performing at the gathering is a “dream come true.”

“So far, I am loving it, and I was here for the first time three months ago when I visited for a vacation and to do some sightseeing.”

He believes that the event “is a great idea to get all the music lovers to get together and to see the best musicians in the world, to share the music and to share the culture.”

With a career as a jazz musician which extends decades, he has performed for world leaders, including former US president Bill Clinton, who referred to Butman as his favourite saxophonist.

He said that performing for the likes of Clinton as well as other presidents was a “big responsibility” but he hopes to touch the souls of all those who listen to his music.

Local musician, Brathew van Schalkwyk, 27, often leaves many Capetonians impressed with his musicianship when he plays at a familiar wine bar. He was in attendance at Butman’s show and was impressed by what he heard.

“I’ve heard of Igor Butman, but I've never heard his music, and so seeing them here tonight at the CTIJF - especially in Rosies as it has good sound… (You can see) the chops of the cats. You can tell these are highly-skilled musicians,” Van Schalkwyk said.

“The sounds that Igor gets, the tone of the bassist and the pianist is just phenomenal. He has got chops for days, and he’s got a really nice voice.

“It was a really long journey, but it was a journey worth taking because you get inspired by things like this, and that’s kind of been the whole thing with coming to the CTIJF.”

Van Schalkwyk said that they definitely need to come back to Cape Town again, to do more workshops - like they did recently - just to “spread it even further cause we can learn from them, and they can learn from us”.

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