Geneva, Switzerland based Jazz maestro and saxophonist Vee Mukarati released the much anticipated 6 track Vital Signs EP on 22 August 2020. The compilation features soulful vocals, traditional Zimbabwean instruments, layered string arrangements, explosive instrumental solos and irregular-time signature grooves. The release explores Mukarati’s migrant experience showcased in the track “Mutorwa” and a wide range of other themes are explored in other songs.
“As a Zimbabwean artist now living in Europe, I have dreamed of creating a project that combined two musical worlds that l inhabit. When I play in Zimbabwe and in Europe, my songs sound completely different-each group of musicians brings different things to the songs. I always wondered what would happen if, one day all these insanely talented artists found themselves in the same room.”
The foundational work of the project was recorded during the close of 2019 in Harare Zimbabwe just before facing the challenge of lockdown provisions because of the Covid-19 pandemic. The Vital Signs EP came as a gift to the people of Zimbabwe and his audience around the world as he faced the challenges brought forward by the pandemic head on. “In some ways the suspension of normal life gave me the time and space to focus all my energies on finding the perfect sound for the project” Mukarati added.
“Vital Signs” draws on the combined talents of jazz musicians based in Zimbabwe, Switzerland, Ireland, Italy and Canada. I hope people will love listening to the EP to it as much as l loved creating it”.
You can download and purchase the new EP on Vee Mukarati’s official website: www.veemukarati.com
You can also stream the EP below: