Nathan Pryce
US-based Ghanaian Afro-jazz guitarist, Nathan Pryce, will launch his album titled ‘Dreams’ at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill at North Ridge in Accra on Saturday, September 1.
Nathan Pryce’s mission has always been to merge highlife and traditional Ghanaian music with smooth jazz.
The Accra Academy-educated musician, who is also a business owner and technology expert in the United States of America, described his six-track album as “something blended for thrills.”
He featured flutist Dela Botri and the Hewale Sounds and the thrill runs through the whole album.
Pryce’s guitar fuses effortlessly with Botri’s expertise on his bamboo instrument to render a captivating array of tunes.
They collaborate effectively on Paapa Yankson’s well-known ‘Tsena Minn Kyen’ song, which has been titled ‘Sit By Me’ on the album.
Their well-blended effort makes a strong point about what new delights can be brought to some of our cherished, evergreen highlife pieces, one of which ‘Towo Boto Mu’, originally by Yamoah’s Band, is included in the album.
Playing the acoustic guitar was just a hobby for Pryce but he has come a long way to almost master the instrument and attach a customised feel to his playing.
According to him, where an artist comes from should always be one of his basic sources of inspiration for creativity and that was why he had been proactive in blending our traditional music and highlife with jazz to achieve something new.
“We can do a lot with the very rich musical resources we have in Ghana and we don’t have to be narrow-minded in accepting suitable influences if we want to reach new audiences. The 9.00pm launch event will be a night to remember as I bring my exceptional blend to music lovers in Accra. It will be an experience never to be forgotten,” Pryce said about the upcoming programme at +233 Jazz Bar & Grill
Apart from the songs on the ‘Dreams’ album, Pryce and his backing band on the night will play more of his compositions slated for future release.
Copies of ‘Dreams’ will be available for sale at the launch.
Guest players at the album launch will include saxophonist Steve Bedi and the Simigwa king, Gyedu Blay Ambolley.