Jonno Sweetman
Drums/ Percussion
Jonno is one of the most original and sensitive drummers on South Africa’s music scene. He has worked with well-known international jazz musicians such as New York-based saxophonist Sam Thomas, US guitarist and celebrated proponent of Thelonious Monk’s music, Gary Wittner, as well as trumpeter Gordon Vernick (US) and innovative saxophonist Nils Berg (Sweden). He has also played and recorded with top South African jazz artists including Buddy Wells, Marcus Wyatt, Wessel van Rensburg, Herbie Tsoaeli, Rus Nerwich, Jason Reolon, Alvin Dyers, Shannon Mowday, Carlo Mombelli and Feya Faku to name a few. Jonno is currently a member of the Kyle Shepherd trio, Reza Khota Quartet and Buddy Wells quartet as well as the Lee Thomson Quintet. He recently toured Europe, China and Canada with the Kyle Shepherd Trio, playing at world class festivals like the Montreal Jazz Festival and the Tianjin International Jazz Festival. The group’s growing importance as a representative of the new voice of postmodern Africa was underlined by their invitation – along with Benin-born New York -based luminary Lionel Loueke – to play and record under the title Sound Portraits from Contemporary Africa for the SWR NEWJazz Meeting 2016. Jonno recently joined Karen Zoid's band, playing to sold out concert halls and open air venues. He also performs with Dan Patlansky, Gerald Clark and Albert Frost – three of South Africa’s best-established blues artists.