Benedikt Jahnel
German academic/pianist Dr. Benedikt Jahnel will this Saturday perform with Ghanaian jazz band GH Jazz Collective at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra.
Jahnel, who is in Ghana for a seminar on Mathematics, would be collaborating with Jazz Collective and neo-traditional group, Hewale Sounds, through explorations and improvisations during his stay in Ghana, which also involves two performances at the Goethe-Institut in Accra.
On Thursday, September 26, Jahnel would perform with Ghanaian saxophonist Bernard Ayisa at the Goethe-Institut, which would encompass a dialogue between the two musicians, who are noted for their love and proficiency in jazz.
Flute maestro Dela Botri, together with a xylophonist, would equally perform at the Goethe-Institut with Jahnel on Tuesday, October 1.
The two artistes would showcase explorations they have made between the atenteben flute, xylophone and the piano.
Jahnel, who is also a band leader, is a technically gifted performer known for his nuanced, classically influenced jazz recordings.
He took classical piano lessons while growing up and gained early jazz experience playing in Bavarian and German Youth Big Bands.
He has built an impressive array of credits performing with such luminaries as Phil Woods, Johannes Enders, Frank Möbus, Wolfgang Muthspiel, Dave Liebmanand others.
Along with his solo work, he has played and recorded regularly with the jazz ensemble Max Bab and he is also a longtime member of vocalist Cymin Samawatie’s Cyminology group.
GH Jazz Collective comprises musicians such as saxophonist Bernard Ayisa, keyboardist Victor Dey, guitarist Bright Osei and drummer Frank Kissi.
Currently, the leader of Hewale Sounds, Botri, has performed and collaborated with diverse musicians in Denmark, Norway, Holland, Germany, South Africa and the United States. Goethe-Institut Ghana is organising the performances in collaboration with +233 Jazz Bar & Grill.