The talented jazz trumpeter Peter Somuah, hailing from Accra, Ghana, brings the first single from his new album. Somuah clearly learned to master his instrument by listening endlessly to legends like Hargrove and Davis. Those influences, combined with the rhythmic prowess reflecting his upbringing, are a golden combo and promise much good for the future.
Last November, during the Super-Sonic Jazz festival, Amsterdam music temple Paradiso organized a jam session in collaboration with the streetwear brand The New Originals (TNO). One artist stood out particularly, because of his sheer joy on stage: trumpeter and bandleader Peter Somuah.
That same Somuah has now released his first single, 'Chief Palace', part of a completely new exciting debut album, 'Outer Space', which is expected to be released at the end of April. On 'Chief Palace' it immediately becomes clear what makes Somuah such an interesting artist. With his warm-melancholic jazz sound he explores the boundaries between the more traditional virtuoso jazz, afro-funk, and traditional Ghanaian music, with a hint of electronics here and there.
“Jazz for me is freedom”, Somuah explains in an interview.“ I live the music that I play. When I'm walking or doing anything, it's all music for me. If you take the music out of me, I don't know what's going to happen…”
After several successful years as a musician in Ghana, Somuah settled in Rotterdam to study jazz at the Codarts art school. In the Netherlands, he soon collaborated with renowned artists like Akwasi and Yung Nnelg. His live reputation also hasn't gone unnoticed, with powerful performances at the Grachtenfestival with his Peter Somuah Group and even an
Erasmus Jazz award while still being in his first year of studies.
About Chief Palace, Somuah says: "This song reflects what a ceremony at the Chief Palace feels like. Ceremonies at the Chief Palace are held to thank and honor the gods and the ancestors, or to celebrate special occasions. The ceremonies usually begin and end with
traditional drumming and dancing. The rhythms in this song reflect the drumming, while the melodies reflect the dancing."
We couldn't have said it better ourselves. That musical layering and compelling background can clearly be heard on the very first track. In Chief Palace, the walking double bass takes you by the hand throughout the entire song, supplemented with a lot of solid percussion that provides the whole with an energetic charge. Somuah's grandiose soulful trumpet-playing completes the circle. Chief Palace is clearly made to enchant crowds, both physically and psychologically!
Peter Somuah's debut album ‘Outer Space’ releases April 29 on Dox Records.
Line-up:
Anton de Bruin (keys), Danny Rombout (percussion), Heleen Vellekoop (flute), Jens Meijer (drums), Jesse Schilderink (sax), Marijn van de Ven (bass), Peter Somuah (trumpet)
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