Tell Me The Truth Or Don’t Tell Me Anything
33, 2025
9/10
Listen to Tell Me The Truth Or Don’t Tell Me Anything
The Afro-jazz ensemble Ubunye bring plenty of musicians to these 10 tracks that blend modern jazz, Afro-pop and traditional ‘Isigqui’ Zulu music.
The animated “Hey Now” opens with frisky vocal acrobatics and Aaron Wood’s glowing trumpet that helps emit much energy, and “On The Road” follows with David Evans’ swirling keys and Steve Hanley’s flowing drums amid soulful singing.
Halfway through, “Today” benefits much from Emma Johnson’s animated sax that suits the vocal harmonies, while “River Flow” is a busy yet meticulous album highlight where Sam Dutton-Taylor’s bass won’t unnoticed.
“In The Sitting” and “Hymn” exit the listen. The former is a bit more reserved alongside Dave Hassell’s lively percussion and rumbling keys, and the latter enlists Maja Bugge’s cello for the intimate and dreamy finish that layers the singing superbly.
The voices present belong to Xolani Mbatha (baritone), Nokuthula Zondi and Michelle Scally Clarke (poetry), and they sure do help make this a worldly and fusion filled effort that ends entirely too soon.
Travels well with: Yakir Arbib/Conti Bilong- Afro Baroque; Ragawerk- Nila