Pacific Express

Pacific Express was a South African funk/jazz outfit that has been regarded as "Cape Town's answer to 'Earth Wind and Fire'". Originally formed in the 60's by bass player Paul Abrahams and guitarist Issy Ariefdien (who were previously together in a soul outfit called The Pacifics), it was after the arrival of pianist Chris Schilder in 1975 that the band took on a jazzier sound and built a reputation that spanned the entire sub-continent. As a sort of "jazz school" for many young performers from the Cape Flats, players have included Basil Coetzee, Robbie Jansen, Jonathan Butler, Barney Rachabane, Stompie Manana, and others. Managed by Patrick Lee-Thorp, they released three albums ("On Time", "Expressions" and "Black Fire"), with the single "Give A Little Love" striking a huge hit.