Ghana Jazz Orchestra cooks tasty fare at launch

The Ghana Jazz Orchestra delivered an exceptional debut performance at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra on September 5, captivating the audience with their vibrant unison ensemble passages and splendid solos. The 19-piece ensemble, led by Victor Dey Jr., treated listeners to a delightful Afro-feel rendition of Austrian composer Joe Zawinul's iconic 1977 Jazz-fusion instrumental, 'Birdland'.

The piece, previously covered and reinterpreted by several prominent musicians across various genres, was transformed into a sparkling musical experience by the Ghanaian group, evidently delighting the audience.

The concert featured a diverse selection of compositions from renowned US composers such as Rick Margitza, Lee Morgan, Nat Adderley, and Oscar Brown Jr., as well as Ghanaian and South African artists including Bernard Ayisa and Marcus Wyatt. Russian musicians, Alina Abban and Imlira Abzgildina, also contributed to the orchestra's impressive lineup.

Conductor Bernard Ayisa praised the ensemble's collective thrust and rhythmic energy, stating that they had worked diligently to prepare for this performance. The orchestra, still in the process of recruiting, welcomes all members regardless of proficiency levels. Multi-disciplinary artist Kofi Boachie-Ansah presented a water-colour painting of a big band Jazz orchestra to the President of the Ghana Jazz Foundation, Dr Adrian Oddoye, to help raise funds for the Ghana Jazz Orchestra.

PF Music in Nigeria, Peter Fisher, President of the Africa Jazz Network (AJN), also attended the concert. He reminded the audience of the vast number of talented Jazz musicians across Africa who remain unknown beyond their countries, urging relevant individuals to join the AJN in showcasing these musicians. The audience thoroughly enjoyed the performance and requested an encore, which the orchestra gladly provided with a rendition of 'Birdland'.