KODA - My Passion (Soothing Jazz)

KODA’s kept us waiting too long for this one—probably his first commercially released instrumental album. And with My Passion - Soothing Jazz, my expectation has not been cut off. The 7-track CD contains a full hour’s worth of great instrumental music from one of Ghana’s finest versatile instrumentalists. I think the guitar is his forte, but he gives a virtuoso performance with the bass, keyboard and drums--he plays all the instruments on this album. 

Oh, for those who don’t know him, KODA’s fingers have always been lurking about in those albums you love—Joe Beecham’s early albums, Danny Nettey’s I Believe, God’s Instrument, Da Project, Nii Okai, Joseph Gyebi, Zuta etc etc.

Right, so here’s the rundown …

1. Confidence êêêê

The album opens with great guitar work overlaid on a confident groovy rhythm. It’s very contemporary jazz, you’d be forgiven for thinking the likes of Paul Jackson had come to town. , especially if you’ve heard “On Eagle’s Wings” on Abe Laboriel’s Live in Switzerland.

2. Faith êêê

Faith is a tad slower than Confidence, and no less enjoyable. The track is introduced with a funky sequence—oo I love it!—then draws out into a regular funky bassline, punctuated by that sequence again. The first half is a piano solo, and then you get intricate guitar work for the rest of the song.

3. Gye W’ayeyi êêêêê

KODA’s funky interpretation of Nii Okai’s song (from the Worshipful album) is a masterpiece. I love the guitar interplay during the verse. You need to hear that guitar solo just before the end. It’s guaranteed to get you foot-tapping and finger-snapping.

4. The Wind êêêê

This one’s a mellow jazz piece, lead instrument is the guitar. It’s a soothing one to unwind with.

5. Black Beauty  êêêêê

Somehow this one reminds me of a nice long traffic-free drive outside Accra’s bustle…you know, no traffic, the countryside rolling past, and looking forward to family and great food. It’s got a highlife feel to it, with contributions from various strings. Lovely!

6. Blessed 5/4 êêêêê

A marvellous piece of creativity. From the start, you get a 5/4 drum and bass rhythm which underlines the song to the end (if you love Dave Brubeck’s Take Five, you’ll love this). The title refers to Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, sandwiched between clips of the Mission Impossible theme.

7. The Lord’s Prayer êêêêê

I love this one as well. The music is actually the ‘Auld Lang Syne’ tune. Beautiful piano work, with light snare and cymbals providing the rhythm. You’ll enjoy this one too.

Technical Stuff
Recording: It's clean--good balance so that all the instruments harmonise nicely. No skips, white noise etc.
Sleeve Design: It's all right, I guess, but it won't call out to someone who's not familiar with the artist's name. Brief notes on track listing, credits, dedication, on the information panel.


Recording, mixing and mastering were all done at KODA's Koded Studios in Takoradi.


Overall Rating:

Music: 3½ /4

Production: 2/3

Creativity: 3/3

Total: 8½ /10

Get a copy for five cedis at the Silverbird Store (Accra Mall) or TGS Records (Tel: 0287247875; shares same building as Sunny 88.7 Studios); or you could also try Christian Music Shop, Nkrumah Circle.