'I compose all the time': Jazz legend Hilton Schilder celebrates launch of 46TH ALBUM 'Crooks and Nannies'
Paula Luckhoff
20 September 2025 | 10:57Schilder unveils his historic 46th studio album live at the Artscape Theatre on 23 September, the eve of Heritage Day.
Jazz musician Hilton Schilder in-studio with SJ King - CapeTalk
Legendary musician Hilton Schilder has been carrying forward the sound of local jazz for more than four decades; redefining the traditions of Cape jazz, goema, and improvisational music.
And he's celebrating the release of his landmark 46th album, Crooks and Nannies, with a special Heritage Month concert at Cape Town's Artscape Theatre on Tuesday 23 September.
Sara-Jayne catches up with the living jazz legend in-studio.
Crooks and Nannies may be Schilder's 46th album, but there's no end to the music in him.
'I compose all the time', he says.
"There's so much more.... that's why I have to record. (Generally) they're not short pieces; they're long, almost cinematic pieces, that's how I compose. There is 'simple' stuff as well - it's so-called simple, but actually really difficult because when you get to play it you find a lot of guys that have come out of jazz schools can't really get it."
Hilton Schilder, Jazz Musician
"If I could live in a studio I'd be producing all the time, but I don't want to do that process of churning out stuff - there's got to be a nice story behind it."
Hilton Schilder, Jazz Musician
Since the beginning of his career, he's been known with his bands over the years as the 'one-take wonders', says Schilder.
"When youre listening to something over and over in-studio you've got to give it three or four days and then come back with fresh ears... but it's just little things that we tweak, because the idea's down."
Hilton Schilder, Jazz Musician
Amazingly, Schilder likes to do the whole take, with the whole band.
He's embracing collaboration with a new generation of musicians - his current quintet features young instrumentalists all in their 20s or 30s.
"It's a beautiful band and we're very tight', he says.
More albums are on the way, and Schilder promises the release of a solo piano album (recorded during the Covid pandemic) in the new year.
He's excited about the upcoming Heritage Month concert - 'every concert has special moments' - which will also feature a surprise guest.
Don't leave it too late - book your spot on Webtickets.
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