TRUE STORY

Tree-O’s first album UMDALI was a celebration of South African-infused jazz. This second sees the trombonist starting to flex his storytelling muscles. Grounded in the bustling sights, sounds and struggles of Johannesburg, it displays a rich mix of musical influences: the optimistic energy of mbaqanga, gospel’s sturdy harmonic cadences and the shuffling rhythms of Afrobeat. A range of narratives run through the record. ‘I Play What I Like’ and ‘Memory is the Weapon’ are autobiographical, while other tracks such as ‘Global Warming’ explore broader socio-political themes. Jiyane’s vocals sit prominently in the mix alongside a rowdy collection of voices. His trombone retains the soulful vocal-like quality of UMDALI, although listeners should not expect the same degree of extended improvisation.