PE singer Faye will tour China

Port Elizabeth singer-songwriter Faye Gatley is set to embark on an international tour of China next month, with saxophonist Andrew Young. Gatley, who performed with Young at the Savoy Theatre on the last two occasions he was in the city, said she was “over the moon” that she was recommended to accompany him on his China tour, and that this would be her first time performing out of the country. “I’m featured on his album, Diamonds, where I sing my own rendition of Amazing Grace.We’ll be performing that song in the Bay on Sunday, as well as other tracks,” Gatley said. Set to leave on October 17, Gatley said the month-long tour would see Young and her performing in 14 cities in 14 days, and “every day would be in a new venue”. “I’ve viewed every city we’ll be performing in and I’m just looking forward to being there because every city will have its own charm and I’m excited about experiencing new cultures,” Gatley said. Apart from the Andrew Young China tour, Gatley is currently working on new music, after releasing her first album, The Way I Play, five years ago. “I’m working on my second album and I’m self-producing it but I’m still in the arrangement phase,” Gatley said. Gatley, who has worked on local Gilbert and Sullivan productions such as Oklahoma and A Night on Broadway, said her music had a lot of jazz and soul influences but was ultimately “‘pop”. “I’ve always been writing music, ever since I can remember. I worked a regular job for many years before quitting and deciding to work on my singing and songwriting career,” she said. Liverpool-born saxophonist Young, is back in PE after having performed here earlier this year as part of his Diamonds album launch. Young, who was nominated for a South African Music Award, has performed with the likes of Ladysmith Black Mambazo. He said every song on his latest album “has been very special to me”. “Like old friends, these melodies have continued to inspire me throughout my touring career and travels. Each song a classic, each song a diamond,” Young said. The Bay show starts at 6pm on Sunday, September 18 at the Savoy Theatre. Tickets are R130 per person and are available at Computicket.