By Ikenna Obioha
From start to finish, Olukayode Awe popularly known as KaySax, sends his listeners through a portal to experience jazz in an elevated form, as presented in Let Us Dance – an upbeat, folksy tune fused with smooth saxophone melodies.
The party-oriented track greets its audience with a familiar note of folksiness that marks the efforts of the likes of King Sunny Ade and Ebenezer Obey.
Drums married with piano keys set the pace of this 4-minute-long effort that quickly introduced the artful reproduction of KaySax’s mastery of the saxophone.
Note by note, KaySax meticulously crafts a saxophone reproduction, kicking off with an elongated note that instantly announces his presence. While marking this presence, the jazz maestro steps up, as the song’s cadence changes, matching the energy shifts in beats to give a more rounded production.
Without uttering a single word, the interpretation of this song becomes subjective, carrying an unmistakable giddy vibe. It serves as a canvas onto which the listener projects words, translating into their personal ‘happy place’.
The silent resonance allows for individual connections, weaving a unique tapestry of joy. The melody’s unspoken language invites listeners to contribute their narrative, transforming the musical experience into a deeply personal and uplifting journey.
At the minute mark, KaySax rides the steady beat with finesse. Here, he strategically weaves a demanding rhythm from his saxophone, showcasing impressive skills that highlight the depth he currently explores. While not yet reaching a masterful level, it signifies promising potential for growth as he matures in his artistic journey.
In its entirety, Let Us Dance, a track off Close To You EP, achieves the sole aim of engaging an audience with its structured instrumentation. However, it could benefit from a few production tweaks, for better sonic production that relays the artiste’s vision in the manner he wants his audience to consume his piece.
But with this piece, made for a live performance, such a shortcoming is fixed with each rendition, one that is more likely to surpass the length of the original recording, as well as providing a richer nuance to reflect more depth or growth.