Ubunye: Tell Me The Truth Or Don't Tell Me Anything

Ubunye's sophomore album on 33 Jazz Records is the provocatively titled "Tell Me The Truth Or Don't Tell Me Anything". In the words of band leader Dave Evans keyboards, "Our second album explores connection, to ourselves and to others, of going beyond the ego." It is an evolution of their refreshing and uplifting fusion of soul, jazz, and dance with the voice and rhythms of South Africa.

Evans is joined once again by singers Xolani Mbatha and Nokuthula Zondi-Kamudyariwa. Blending UK soul singer Omar's swagger with Leon Thomas' phrasing would give you some idea of the power of Mbatha's deep baritone vocals. Zondi's huge voice brings a choral, gospel-like sound to many of the tracks, with both singing in English and in traditional South African dialects.

Lead single "Hey Now" is a party-starting jazz-funk number with a rock guitar solo, driven by the horns of Soothsayers players Idris Rahman and Robin Hopcraft. "On The Road" begins as an up-tempo track, with high-velocity drums and an even longer guitar solo than the single, before switching to a more contemplative piano and trumpet solo section. "Let Me Stay Here" is perhaps the most 'pop' track on the album, a ballad with African chorus. "Another Moment" is a fiery jazz-dance piece, with Zondi on lead vocal and soaring trumpet from Aaron Wood. This one promises massive appeal to clubbers and DJs, a future classic on the scene. "Today" begins with a pop feel then gets more intense with a belting sax solo, a joyous crescendo, and a spoken word section from poet Michelle Scally Clarke. "River Flow" has the most traditional African groove and vocals of all tracks, changing in tempo and emotion throughout. "Flowers" is one for the soul music fans, Mbatha leading a catchy, feel-good mid-tempo song of gratitude. "When We Were Born" may start a little twee for some ears, getting deeper with spoken word parts and the accompanying players later on. Like several of the tracks on the album, beginning somewhere and ending someplace else. Rewarding longer attentive listening. "In The Sitting" is another vocal jazz-dancer, with crashing drums, cosmic keys from Evans, and percussion from the legendary educator Dave Hassell. Nik Svarc rocking out on guitar once again. Leading us to the final track, the mellow "Hymn" with cello from Norwegian experimentalist Maja Bugge. A prayer sung by Zondi in African to close out proceedings.

Following their debut recording in 2022 the band won the "Best UK Jazz Ensemble" at the prestigious Parliamentary Jazz Awards 2023, and having performed extensively, they have brought that live sounding energy to this new album. It is easy to imagine the whole piece as a live show; the album feels 'ready to tour.' This is not an album for the jazz purist, because it is not a pure jazz album. It is a statement of joy and positivity, much needed in today's world.

 

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