“If music be the food of love, play on”

Silver hair, dark glasses and old school rock ‘n roll and blues, this is the signature look and sound of the four “young at heart” musicians who make up Take Note.

Fueled by their shared passion to create authentic music, pianist, Olley Hart (71), bass guitar player, Jill Murraybrown (71), drummer, Alec Mackay (68) and vocalist, Melody Gordon (58) formed Take Note in 2014 and meet at Hart’s house in Ballito to practice every week.

Spending a generous amount of time jamming, the band’s sound ranges from a 1920’s repertoire, covering genres from standards to classic grooves, classic jazz, latin, continental, show tunes, country and rock, swing, blues and pop.

Guitarist, Jill said the band came together originally after the members met through other bands they were previously members of. Melody, who joined last year, is the latest addition to the crew.

“We have all been in music since forever. The band members are not young, but not totally geriatric. No one is sporting walking sticks yet but we are close!” said Jill.

Founder of Take Note, Olley Hart, worked as a sound engineer at the SABC for 40 years. He said his first involvement as a pianist in a large band began after he matriculated.

“Playing with friends in Take Note is an enjoyable return to basics, encompassing the many varieties of music which have all played a large part in my 55-year musical life. I am also a great car enthusiast and I spend most days rebuilding veteran cars from scratch. I am currently building two 1970 2CV Citroëns. It is not the greatest occupation for a pianist… grinding, welding and cutting old metal. I know that my fellow band members often fear for my hands!” said Olley.

The jovial group enjoys playing for the “background type gigs” at weddings and functions.

“Invariably someone will dance but we prefer to leave the dancing stuff for the DJs,” said drummer, Alec.

Take Note members agreed that one of their favourite regular gig is at the Foodie Market at the Ballito Lifestyle shopping centre.

“There are always friendly people to chat to and they seem to enjoy the music.”

They have played at weddings all over KZN.

“We do the background music for the guests while the bridal party is having photos taken,” said Murraybrown.

The members share in a common belief that life without music is like not having a heartbeat.

“Every child should be given the opportunity to develop their musical skills and this should always be encouraged. It is important for people to support live music, and see a real drummer, guitarist, bassists, saxophinist rather than a singer just singing to back tracks. That is not music, that is professional karaoke,” said Olley.

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