Jazz maestro and producer Aaron ‘Krucial Keys’ Rimbui was at it again, serenading his fans with the best of jazz & worship at the event dubbed Jazz @ The Village. Held at the French Cultural Center on the 11th of October 2006, it was yet another splendid performance from one of this region’s superlative pianists.

Doors opened promptly at 1830hours, as guests were ushered into the cozy theater. With beautiful organza drapes on stage, coupled with pots and long bamboo reeds, there was definitely an authentic African feel. At exactly 1900hrs Kanjii Mbugua took to stage. Clad in a white linen suit, he warmly welcomed the man of the moment, accompanied by his three-piece accompanying band, onto stage, even labeling him the best pianist in Africa.

In his dark brown pants and a light colored shirt, Aaron positioned himself behind the place he is most comfortable at - the keyboard, conveniently set right at the center of the stage. A hearty welcome to an already eager audience soon moved into the story of his life; a tale to be told via music throughout the course of the evening. His warm approach made the audience feel at ease and his call was “to just chill” and take the ride with him.

Amka Twende, a cut off his dazzling debut album Keys of Life, got the show going in top gear and flowed effortlessly into arguably the sweetest number off the album, the mid-tempo jazzy tune I Believe In You.

Aaron reaches out for the mic to introduce the very talented and one time back ground vocalist of Kora award-winner Eric Wainaina - the superlative Atemi Oyungu. She joins him on Destiny, before Brian King (of vocal group Votaries) and Kora winner Neema drop the mellow duet Lord My God.

Atemi Oyungu Looking Regal

Brian King & Neema Join In On The Act

Who would’ve thought that the story of this lanky pianist would evoke such strong emotion? Aaron shares about his life changing experience and the myriad of questions he had for God after a gas explosion left him not only hospitalized for months, but also scarred for life. This deep and heartfelt confession ushered in Fire, a beautiful and totally unrehearsed jazzy piece that he described as his way of expressing his deep emotion. Aaron is left in tears.

Aaron Lost In Fire

What followed was arguably the finest piece of the evening. The Gardener, featuring the very talented bassist Kungu Mbathi and saxophone player Grant Chamberlain was introduced by the words of John 15:2

“He cuts every branch in me that bears no fruit while the branch that does bear fruit, he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful”

This seasoned trio of musical gurus delivered with such spellbinding mastery, crisscrossing between piano, sax and bass solos. The lighting effect that adorned the entire performance shone and dimmed to show the accompanying moments of heightened emotions, greeted with big cheers from an enthused audience.

Enter sax guru Joseph Hellon, arguably one of the greatest jazz players in the region. Loud applause acknowledged his entrance, as he joined Aaron for an inspired performance of Ekkaleo, the title-track from Hellon’s upcoming release.

Kungu & Grant Join in

Sax Maestro Hellon

Aaron showcases a real depth in his Spiritual walk, as he builds on his earlier story regarding his questions to God. He moves the audience with his experience of when God visited him while at a church service in the United States while on tour with Youth For Christ tour, a visit that changed both him and his attitude towards life. He encourages the audience to believe that regardless of their impending situations, God still remains God.

Aaron completely gets lost in the moment on Expressions, yet another unrehearsed piece making its debut. It is Aaron’s freestyle way of letting out how he feels the best way he knows how. This piece is followed by a short time of worship, led by the talented Rebekah Matheny, who joins up with the Mavuno Worship Team on He Is Here. This popular worship tune is cleverly turned into a medley with Sweet Anointing as well as a verse from the old hymn What A Friend, as the audience merrily sings along.

Rebekah, talented vocalist and daughter of Nairobi Lighthouse Church Pastor Don Matheny, expresses her musical prowess in the delivery of A Song For You.

Can Rebekah Sing!!

Part Of The Mavuno Team

Next are jazz instrumentals Wewe Nami and Bekahville, Aaron’s ode to the lady of whom he admits, “she makes my heart sing” - Rebekah Matheny. The ever lively Kanjii is on next, and tickles the audience with his freestyle tune of “take me to Rebekahville”. Loud happy cheers meet this version. Kanji even manages to tempt Aaron to play along to the tune…

The evening nears a close as Kanji takes to the up-tempo track Livin, easily getting the audience to join in. He even leads a hilarious interactive session, teaching a few dance moves perfect for a seated audience. Finally Kanji and Aaron make hearty acknowledgements to the event sponsors and planners and the very participatory audience. The very funky Stories, featuring the Mavuno Worship Team closes out the evening. Its simple chorus goes:

Kanjii In All White

Appreciations

Eric & Sheba In The House

Aaron Connects Well With The Audience


DJ Moz Does The 'Seat Dance'

They Join In


Percussionist Wamae Takes It Easy

Chizi...Always Meeting Mafans


Thank You Dormans

Email (will not be published)

Name

Title

Comment
 remaining characters

Post