Acclaimed Afro-Jazz Fusion band, The Ghana Jazz Collective, have garnered a dedicated following with their adventurous, genre-blending music. The Ghana Jazz Collective is redefining the genre and pushing artistic boundaries. Their ability to seamlessly blend traditional Ghanaian melodies and rhythms with contemporary jazz elements sets them apart as trailblazers in the music industry.
The indefatigable Victor Dey Jr. leads the collective and plays piano, synths and keyboards, with Bernard Gama Ayisa on saxophones. Frank Kissi and Gaddiel Amoah anchor the polyrhythmic percussive grooves with sweltering ease on drums and bass guitar, contrabass respectively. They have captivated audiences with their innovative blend of jazz with highlife and elements of indigenous Ghanaian folk music, making waves since their inception, with a string of highly acclaimed electrifying live performances.
Their debut single, ‘Toboli,’ featuring renowned artist Dela Botri on local bamboo flute and vocals, and the revered trumpeter Nicolas Genest making a captivating appearance, Ghana Jazz Collective showcased their extraordinary talent and musical depth.
Inspired by a traditional lullaby sung by mothers among the Ewe tribe along the Volta River in Ghana, ‘Toboli’ is a near 10-minute composition that transcends boundaries. The track beautifully weaves together polyrhythmic movements influenced by the agbadza drums, with hard-bop style reminiscent of jazz legends of the past.
The song expertly incorporates vocal chants, meandering synths, dexterous piano performances, a solid yet intricate bassline, and endless improvisations by the saxophones and trumpet, creating a mesmerizing sonic journey.
The Ghana Jazz Collective’s debut single is just the beginning of their musical exploration. With a slew of releases scheduled for 2023 and 2024.
As fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming releases and live shows, the Ghana Jazz Collective continues to solidify their position as one of the most exciting and innovative musical acts of our time.