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Jazz Symphonic

  • Home
  • About
  • Review
    • Review

      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

      Review

      Geco Café: Slithering with good vibes in Nairobi

      February 18, 2021

      Review

      How to work with producers in Kenya by…

      February 26, 2020

      Review

      The Love Zone Thrills fans on Valentine’s Day

      February 21, 2020

      Review

      Shamsi Music Sophmore Album: Afrosynthesis

      February 6, 2020

  • Events
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      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

      Events

      Beneath the Baobabs Live: A Kenyan live music…

      April 5, 2022

      Events

      Down memory lane: An Evening Remembering Whitney Houston

      December 2, 2021

      Events

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

      Events

      An Evening Celebrating Stevie Wonder in Nairobi

      June 10, 2021

  • Artist Spotlight
    • Artist Spotlight

      Ngewa: Kasiva Mutua rhythmical tales on percussion

      April 26, 2022

      Artist Spotlight

      Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in…

      December 10, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

      April 26, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

      April 20, 2021

      Artist Spotlight

      WYNTON MARSALIS interactive session with Kenyan artists: Mythology…

      November 26, 2020

  • Classical Music
    • Classical Music

      Nairobi Music Society and Nairobi Orchestra Love; Liberty…

      May 4, 2022

      Classical Music

      Nairobi Orchestra Returns! at Kenya National Theatre

      July 2, 2021

      Classical Music

      A Kenyan Opera: Nyanga The Runaway Grandmother

      November 17, 2020

      Classical Music

      Beethoven 250 Years on, A Spirited awakening in…

      September 25, 2020

      Classical Music

      David Ralak: A visionary pioneering figure with great…

      June 16, 2020

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      Artist Spotlight

      Pilani Bubu: Jazz Breaks Me Open. Songs from…

      April 29, 2020

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      CoronaVirus: Kenyan Artists in a time of a…

      March 19, 2020

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      February 26, 2020

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      February 6, 2020

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      March 19, 2020

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      February 26, 2019

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      April 29, 2020

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      February 26, 2020

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Artist SpotlightReview

Jack Muguna: Journey of the Soul

by Maureen Shelmith April 20, 2021
written by Maureen Shelmith April 20, 2021

It all seems quite unfathomable that we are still living through a pandemic. In Kenya, in particular, there have been tougher restrictions in regards to lockdown and curfews, huge gatherings have been banned and most of all the live music scene, has to bear the brunt once again. Even in these unprecedented times, it is quite amazing to get some healing music. I am quite delighted to have a ravishingly good listen to music this season.

Underrated, yet well respected among musicians and jazz connoisseurs alike, guitarist Jack Muguna has quietly built up an impressive musical CV.  His music is rooted in offering personality, “For me, music has to speak for itself.” Jack Muguna’s

I am indeed fortunate to have experienced the bits and pieces of moments whilst he was recording. It was a labour of love. I recount a candid interview we did in 2019, I reminisce as he told Ghanian Pianist, Victor Dey Jr, about his trying times “I am disappointed that as it has taken long, I want it to be perfect.” Like any artist, perfectionism is that animal that grips you and holds you back. We recounted tales about how album production can be arduous – the end result is the unknown tale of it all.

Here we are in 2021, A journey of the Soul.

Jack Muguna takes his time, his storytelling is absorbing, when you listen intently, you can clearly hear his brilliance in his playing. I admire his touch, a quality hard to define but easy to recognize, every track so judiciously rounded. It’s certainly in full bloom on this debut album. This album bridges the gap between jazz, the African sound, paying homage to the origins of the African Jazz guitar while simultaneously heralding new directions.

Jack has written nine tracks for this album, incorporating elements of different musical genres. He has a knack for charming melodies, that showcase the virtuoso playing. The album features an all-star lineup of musicians from various countries; featuring Emmanuel Yakobo (Drums – Tanzania) Mike Onyie (Bass) Stevoh Mwanzia (Keys) Mokua Rabai (Saxophone) and Mackinlay Mutsembi (Trumpet & Trombone). Also featured is James Jozee (vocals) and award-winning Ghanaian pianist Victor Dey Jr – (Piano & Keyboards). “The sound of Africa speaks to me strongly; the jazz only helps me express it better,’ says Jack Muguna.

Many different musical influences emerge as the album progresses. Jack himself has an impressive way of sliding from one style to another within the same song, right from the first track, Voices. There is a lovely ballad: The One that got away, which welcomes you with an enchanting guitar riff, then whirls into action, as Jozee calls you to mind in with, “Quietly watching the stars, all is that they remind me is of your eyes, from your lips to your hips, girl I lose my sleep…..” and the horns amplify the admirable mood. I stan!!

But the master still likes to mix it up: After such a mellow sound, Jack drifts us with a zouk tease, Zouk for Rabai an intense dialogue between saxophone and guitar. While Jack is capable of all manner of moods in his writing and arranging, in his guitar playing he seems to be an exquisite explorer, with Eston which I first heard it at Jazz Train Concert live at J’s in 2018, it lays down a backdrop of dark and swirling storms, the foreground is filled with playing, both ensemble and solo, that sounds like it comes from hearts which, if they are not already truly free, certainly conjure that impression in music.

Jack’s distinctive lyricism and personality shine through this journey of the album especially if your set your ear to a rare delight, Muguna Muguna a purely magical re-imagination of one of his original compositions, Muguna Muguna from NHP’s debut album Black in Gold… it is a tempting sound worth a replay over and over.

 

And for anyone not yet familiar with Jack Muguna’s – Journey of the Soul, this stunning album could well be their gateway drug to a whole new universe of wonders.

Jack Muguna – In the Moment Single Cover Art

Jack MugunaJazz in KenyaLive Music in KenyaNairobi Horns ProjectVictor Dey Jr
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Maureen Shelmith

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2 comments

Poledada January 13, 2022 - 3:39 PM

Beautiful review, will have to check out this album. Just discovered Jack today, and it seems I’m in for a treat. Been living under rock for a long time to even realize there was Kenyan Jazz music.

Reply
Maureen Shelmith January 14, 2022 - 2:43 PM

Thank you so much for stopping by.
Yes. He is a marvellous artist. Glad to have enabled you discover something beautiful.
Cheers,
Shelmith.

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About Me

About Me

Maureen Shelmith

My mission here is to take you on a Kenyan musical journey that is exceptional.

Featured Posts

  • Herbie Tsoaeli Spiritual Dialogues: At This Point in Time

    December 10, 2021
  • Sage Chemutai: Love is all we need

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