THIS IS ME
Introductions should suffice, oh the legend has decided to do it at the end of the show, like all jazz legends.
The single ‘The Visit ‘an avid fan says it’s a touch of life and harmony and it captures the beauty of his saxophone and the mixture of the sharp but beautiful Harmonica that sends a wicked statement of happy music all around.
This self-taught saxophonist who in 2016 alone has stood side by side on stage with global icons like Jonathan Butler, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, Seweto Kinchy among many is a Uganda’s jazz pioneer and gem whose innovation has inspired and sensitised many into jazz.
It is easy to try and guess his inspirations especially for a man whose cultural attire man sell him to be a radical African, which he is don’t get me wrong. I believe when writing ‘Nakupenda’ and ‘Mapenzi’ and ‘What is Love, you get the picture that like most Ugandan Men he has mastered the art of romance in note and keys. The saxophonist is jolly and ready to share a big smile with the world and the ladies on percussion have a similar passion! The trumpet assure that the wind man has some brass in him huh!
‘nakupenda saana’
He has converted many into jazz enthusiasts and now a genre whose crowd and players is growing dramatically in Uganda and East Africa at large. African, Smooth and Divine…. these are the three words that he uses to best describe his music.
The earlier paragraph was part of his bio on Soundcloud and I must say that the way he describes himself it is clear album reviewers such as myself have no business adding words. ‘This is Me’ headlines the album and its divine. Giving a story from grace to grace it speaks for the album with immense truth.
In 2006, Isaiah released ’Sinza” album that even featured on BBC focus on Africa. This was a breakthrough album with the mega-hit song “Sinza” that earned him wide national and international recognition. He continues in his attempt to influence the industry for quality, skills, creativity and professionalism in not only jazz but also African music.
The modest works of his small saxophone on writing can be felt in the sweet rendition of his songs ‘Pamoja-Together ‘happy music to get you in the mood brunch. Emphasising on the need for African musicians that he took up on the advice of The Late Manu Dibango he made a song in the love of a friend. ‘Obasinga’ pushes the tune of a united front of support and love for the continent.
The album goes to a beautiful slow faced of tradition, experience and story renditions. It must be an album close to Isaiah’s heart due to the amount of care and perfection immersed into ‘Amaaso’ and ‘All year summer’ will have you listening on Sunday morning to feel the infectious laid back groove he has to offer.
The album ends with a jolly bonus track called ‘Special Feelings’ featuring a special friend of his Rachel Namubiru do justice to get you swaying your hips from left to right and it just the Vibe
Isaiah’s Music and albums can be found on the following platforms apart from Soundcloud:
