Playing the Changes covers a significant passage in South African history (1983–2006) and the transformative effect of jazz at university and at large. It is a memoir, replete with anecdotes and adventures, in part a double biography and a one-off story. From their invented base, the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music at the University of Natal, Cathy and Darius Brubeck managed and organised numerous bands, concerts and tours around the world. In retrospect, they were ahead of the 'transformation' curve, with their many improvised solutions to social, legal and administrative challenges. The book includes sad and comic incidents as well as insightful portraits of the people who made music throughout this politically turbulent time. The jazz life itself was often chaotic but nevertheless a resilient response to the bitterness of an unjust society. With the patronage of international jazz stars, in particular Darius's famous father, Dave Brubeck, jazz on campus spoke to the times. Playing the Changes is richly detailed with insider knowledge, information Cathy and Darius provide from their own papers and lived experiences.
