A soul-deep affair

For most reading this, Soul Deep does not register in their list of favourites…or even known bands. That, however, is about to change. Ugandans now live in the advent of live band music. We have finally come to appreciate live music and one of the bands that cannot pass without a nod is the jazz soul outfit, Soul Deep.

The four-man band, popular for their stints at the Bugolobi-based Jazzville, had over the end of last and the start of this year, gone through a lull, something that kept their fans in a limbo. Were they repackaging themselves, upping their already credible act? Was there a break up? All these questions seemed to ring in their self-prolonged silence.

That was, until last Thursday. They graced Mackinon Suites with a night of what they do best; jazz-soul music. Such is a genre that attracts what people may deem the yuppie class… I would not call myself or anyone else in attendance so, even in the next life. I opt to believe like wine, music picks its taste. Those with a refined taste for great performance will turn to live music, so goes the trend.

The night’s event, themed “Soul Deep Sessions”, was dedicated to celebrating the womenfolk. It started right at 8pm, as was promised on a rather high note. First timers could easily be pointed from the crowd, as their faces read gasps of awe.

It was not at the memory lane set piece they chose to perform to, but rather their on point accuracy, their gripping rhythm, the soothing huskiness of the soloist, Maureen Rutabingwa, alias MoRoots, who doubled as the band’s saxophonist.

And to say that I was not blown away would be a downright lie. The band comprises soloist and saxophonist, Maureen Rutabingwa (MoRoots), drummer Roy Kasika, keyboardist Festo Mugume and bassist Abraham Ssembatya.

Their rendition of Peggy Lee’s Fever, Rutabingwa’s performance of Beyoncé’s Ego and Steve Keys heartfelt crooning to R Kelly’s When A Woman Loves were the unforgettable parts of my night.

But that is not the best part; that the filled event was a first of many monthly sessions to come, that the crowds are set to only get bigger, that Soul Deep is here to stay…those among others, is why you should be at Mackinon Suites next month.

More stuff
Other performances. While one would think it would be a one band show, performers like guitarist Myko Ouma, Steven Kigozi, alias Steve Keys, and Martin Mutabingwa made stage performances.