Thomas Dobler adjusted his mallets based on the specific sound he wanted to produce from his vibraphone, and in every instance, he expertly showcased his style, which blends Western classical, jazz, and African musical elements.
Swiss composer, arranger, bandleader, and teacher Thomas Dobler performed with the GHJazz Collective on Saturday, October 12, at the +233 Jazz Bar & Grill in Accra. He acknowledged that his Ghanaian colleagues interpret his music far better than his European counterparts, which was a key reason he was excited to do the concert.
The GHJazz Collective that night featured Bernard Ayisa (saxophone), Nicholas Mettle (keyboard), Frank Kissi (drums), and Gaddiel Amoah (bass), all of whom delivered exceptional performances.
Dobler’s setlist included both ballads and upbeat pieces, providing ample rhythmic and harmonic variety. Most of the songs were his original compositions, with the exception of “The Mountain” by South African musician Abdulah Ibrahim (formerly Dollar Brand).
Throughout the concert, Dobler and the Collective showcased their skills. Tracks like “Duke Flower,” inspired by American jazz legend Duke Ellington, and “Lassie Chio Pianga,” influenced by 18th-century composer George Frideric Handel, gave each musician the opportunity to shine through solos and ensemble play. Drummer Frank Kissi earned applause for his engaging rhythms on “Oxford Street,” a piece Dobler wrote after experiencing the bustling yet laid-back vibe of Osu’s famous street in Accra.
Describing the GHJazz Collective as a remarkable group, Dobler expressed his hope that jazz and music in Ghana would continue to thrive, given the abundance of talented musicians who deserve more opportunities to perform and connect with audiences.
Dobler’s relationship with Ghanaian musicians began 15 years ago when he collaborated with the Ayekoo Drummers in Switzerland, sparking his deep interest in Ghanaian music. He continues to ask every Ghanaian musician he meets about their musical traditions, fostering a shared passion and expanding his knowledge.
In Accra for the second edition of the Accra Jazz Academy—a training, workshop, and performance initiative he launched with the Ghana Jazz Foundation—Dobler emphasized the importance of promoting Ghanaian music globally, stating that it “deserves to be better known everywhere.”