JAZZ lovers in Harare and Norton were this week treated to first class American jazz and blues music performed by the American-based jazz musical group - the Ryan Cohan Quartet.

The quartet also held workshops and educational sessions with students and musicians.

The tour is part of the Rhythm Road-American Music Abroad programme, which offers American jazz and urban music performers the chance to perform music in countries with limited exposure to their culture.

On Monday the group performed at Pakare Paye Arts Centre and the audience was mesmerised by the group's drummer Kobi Watkins -- referred to as "Swing Master of Chicago" -- who played, with his soul, mind and body.

"Jazz is all about the beat and you can not learn from listening or from a book but you will learn from the feel or directly from the master," said Watkins who started his musical career in the church.

As a kid he used to play with pots and pans.

The 32-year-old Watkins has played and recorded with legends Sonny Rollins, Curtis Fuller, Arturo Sandoval among others.

The group's leader, Ryan Cohan, who plays the piano as well as being a composer said the group was looking forward to playing with local artists.

Cohan said the difference between Jazz music and Blues was that the latter was a structure of a basic harmony used in jazz.

"Blues is a rapporteur of the jazz music we play," he said.

In Norton the group also played alongside Zimbabwean music superstar Oliver Mtukudzi and the Pakare Paye Ensemble.

"It's a pleasure to have you here, I am glad that you have show-cased what you can do," Tuku said.

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