He captured the hearts of music enthusiasts with his ear-catching presentation at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra last July, and the highly-rated American composer, saxophonist and flutist, Jeff Kashiwa, is heading back to the venue to be part of a programme called ‘Jazz In January.’
The four-day bash, presented by the Ghana Jazz Foundation in partnership with +233, is scheduled from January 4 to 7, 2024. It is a way of ushering Jazz lovers into the New Year with some tip-top musicianship.
Set to be featured on January 4 are singer Myrna Clayton, Native Vibe and the GH Jazz Collective. Keyboardist and songwriter Kevin Flournoy and singer Lamont Dozier Jnr have the stage on January 5, while Jeff Kashiwa will rock the stage on January 6. Fans will have the privilege of seeing all acts perform at a Master Jam session with barbecue on January 7.
Myrna Clayton possesses a captivating approach to singing that enchants her listeners. She knows how to carry audiences along with her versatility that embraces Jazz, Pop, Country, Blues, Soul, Gospel and R&B.
Native Vibe comprises guitarist Bill Macpherson and bassist Nee Sackey. It is an experienced, dynamic partnership that knows how to swing in every situation.
The GH Jazz Collective boasts of some of the nation’s best instrumentalists. The inventive quartet of Bernard Ayisa (saxophone), Victor Dey Jnr. (piano), Frank Kissi (drums) and Gaddiel Amoah (bass) incorporates other players when necessary.
Kevin Flournoy is widely known as a producer, keyboardist, songwriter and arranger, but has also gained attention in the United States as the able host of the ‘K-Flow Show’ television programme. He will record an edition of his show at +233 on January 5 with accomplished singer, Lamont Dozier Jnr, as one of his guests.
It will be Jeff Kashiwa’s turn on January 6. The audience heartily embraced everything he put out last July and he is happy to come again with some more palatable music for them.
The multi-instrumentalist will definitely offer his wide repertoire of Jazz that incorporates Reggae, Soul, R&B and Afro-tainted material.
A Master Jam session involving all the featured acts with some tasty barbecue to match comes off on January 7.
By George Clifford Owusu