Umdali
Mushroom Hour Half Hour, 2021
8/10
The Johannesburg multi-instrumentalist Malcolm Jiyane is in some fine company here, as he handles trombone and sparing vocals on this rhythmic, textured and highly unique listen that flirts with jazz and funk in very exciting, unpredictable ways.
“Senzo seNkosi” opens the listen with Nhlanhla Mahlangu’s alto saxophone, Tebogo Seitei’s trumpet and Brandon Ruiters’ trumpet working together with the cultured drumming and warm keys of the lush climate, and “Umkhumbi kaMa” follows with soulful brass and Lungile Kunene’s proficient drumming highlighting the cautious landscape.
“Ntate Gwangwa’s Stroll” lands in the middle and emits much beauty in the subdued and powerful and timeless jazz delivery, while “Life Esidimeni” flows with Nkosinathi Mathunjwa’s graceful keys alongside Ayanda Zalekile’s strategic bass prowess.
The final track, “Moshe”, benefits much from Tubatsi Mpho Moloi’s soulful singing amid the playful drumming and spirited horns that easily makes this the record’s best track.
An effort that certainly doesn’t lack solos, Jiyane has made quite a name for himself in the South African Jazz Scene, and this excellent affair should resonate across the globe with its rare melodic energy and ability to stretch the boundaries of jazz like few others could.
Travels well with: Blue Reality Quartet!- Blue Reality Quartet!; Wesli- Rapadou Kreyol