Ofie sings with American jazz players

Ghanaian songstress, Ofie Kodjoe will tomorrow, April 4, and on Saturday, April 5, be the special guest of the visiting top-rate group of American jazz instrumentalists at two concerts  at  the Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons and the  +233 Jazz Bar and Grill, both in Accra,  respectively.

Ofie herself used to live in America and imbibed some of the finesse and charm that some of the great female jazz singers brought to the genre. She has been back home for a few years now and definitely the undisputed Queen of Jazz here.

It seems by all indications that both concerts would hold out well because the bunch of musicians to accompany her are all well-drilled guys led by clarinetist and saxophonist, Oran Etkin.

The musicians playing alongside Oran Etkin are pianist, James Weidman, drummer, Poogie Bell, bassist Solomon Dorsey and guitarist, Colter Harper.

Apart from the concerts, they will use their specialisation in music education at selected universities and schools in Accra which will earn the participants certificates. The American musicians will also hold a workshop for local professional musicians at the +233 Jazz Bar and Grill tonight, April 3 from 2:00pm to 5.00pm.

Oran Etkin has been described by the New York Times as a “great clarinet player” and “an excellent improviser.” He and his colleagues are rearing to unleash their expertise in jazz to lovers of the music in Accra.

The instrumentalists have at various times worked with some of the best-known acts on the American music scene.  The big names they have performed with include Marcus Miller, Stanley Clarke, Chaka Khan, Al Jareau, Erykah Badu, Luther Vandross and Mike Stern.

The jazz project with Oran Etkin and his buddies in Accra is organised by Mevicon Services, an Accra-based concierge company.