Digba Ogunbiyi: Stay Still

Timothy Digba Ogunbiyi is a Nigerian-born pianist, composer, and educator. Growing up in Lagos, Nigeria, Ogunbiyi began his musical journey playing drums in church before eventually pivoting from engineering to pursue music. His musical foundation and Nigerian heritage are reflected throughout this project, where Yoruba traditions, African rhythms, jazz improvisation, and contemporary influences come together to create a deeply expressive musical journey. 

"Extinct Man"—Extinct: a practice or a way of life is no longer in use. Ogunbiyi opens the piece with a piano introduction, followed by interplay between Ogunbiyi and tenor saxophonist Adam Aronesty. A piano solo picks up the tempo against the saxophone's slower-paced melody. The piano and double bassist Zach Walgren softly blend into a syncopated energy. Aronesty delivers a vibrant saxophone solo while Chidiebere Joseph Emmanuel quietly grooves on drums, bringing the piece to a soft close. "Ogunjobi"—Ogunjobi is a traditional Yoruba name or surname originating from West Africa. The name signifies that a child is a gift or blessing given by the deity Ogun, reflecting a family's traditional heritage. Singer Namisa Mdalose Bizana chants beautifully, with passion and compassion. Gentle piano chords and soft saxophone merge into a beautiful melody as the piano warmly embraces the vocal performance. "Zach!" -An upright bass transition featuring Zach Walgren, written by Ogunbiyi.

"A Peacemaker's Lot" represents struggle and stress at a high level and the strength it takes to heal from such a long journey. Piano and percussion begin this journey, with aaron ouellette on trumpet serenading peacefully. "Òmìrán"—Òmìran in Yoruba translates to "giant" or "titan." Ogunbiyi's traditional piano-chord opening makes room for Aronesty on saxophone, who shines as he takes his improvisation to new heights. Walgren on bass and Emmanuel on drums swing with a traditional beat while Ogunbiyi brings everything back together and gently begins to improvise, leading into a crescendo closing. "A.O. (Fading Light)" -A soft saxophone serenades the listener. In collaboration with the rhythm section, the musicians reach an extraordinary level of improvisation, creating a mixture of eclectic sounds and African rhythms. "A.O. (After Glow)"—Ogunbiyi enters on piano, the saxophone joins in, and both embrace the tender playing of the rhythm section. The piano tempo picks up with a pulsing note and voices of African chanting, while trumpet and piano improvise beautifully. A saxophone solo blends over a pulsating piano key. African sounds, chants, and saxophone improvisation complete the afterglow.

"Roalol" -A soft piano opening leads into a collaboration of saxophone, bass, and drums. The chanting elements are performed by the musicians using their own voices, and elements found in West African jazz traditions. "Moroko" -Is a Yoruba dirge of mourning and a powerful tribute to historical resilience, the sacrifices of ordinary people, and fallen heroes. A soft rhythm, piano, and vocals from saxophonist/talking drummerTemidayo Balogun create a chant over Aronesty's saxophone. Ogunbiyi delivers a beautiful piano solo, with Aaron Ouellette featured on trumpet. "Adépèlé -features Balogun on tenor saxophone alongside Ogunbiyi. Together, the musicians create a feeling of pride and joy, blending an African Yoruba foundation with rhythmic jazz elements. "Stay Still" -A blend of Yoruba folk-music rhythms, classical piano, and bebop jazz. Stay Still serves as a cool-down after an intense journey of improvisation and collaboration by this quartet.  

Throughout this recording, Ogunbiyi brings together his Nigerian heritage and his voice as a jazz pianist and composer. Yoruba traditions and African rhythms move alongside elements of bebop, classical piano, and contemporary jazz, creating space for both individual improvisation and ensemble collaboration. The music travels through moments of reflection, struggle, celebration, and healing, while allowing each musician to contribute a distinct voice to this musical journey.