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.
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.”
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, as he told Ghanaian pianist Victor Dey Jr about his trying times: “I am disappointed that it has taken long, I want it to be perfect.” Like any artist, perfectionism is that animal that grips you and holds you back.
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 and 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. The album features an all-star lineup of musicians from various countries: Emmanuel Yakobo (Drums — Tanzania), Mike Onyie (Bass), Stevoh Mwanzia (Keys), Mokua Rabai (Saxophone), Mackinlay Mutsembi (Trumpet & Trombone), 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, 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’s vocals and the horns amplify the admirable mood.
After such a mellow sound, Jack drifts us with a zouk tease, Zouk for Rabai, an intense dialogue between saxophone and guitar. With Eston — which I first heard live at Jazz Train Concert at J’s in 2018 — he lays down a backdrop of dark and swirling storms.
Jack’s distinctive lyricism and personality shine through this journey of the album, especially on Muguna Muguna, a purely magical re-imagination of one of his original compositions from NHP’s debut album Black in Gold — 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 to a whole new universe of wonders.