Malcolm Jiyane Tree-O

★★★★ UMDALI MUSHROOM HOUR HALF HOUR. DL/LP

Written to commemorate two deaths and a birth, Jiyane (pianist with open-ended South African improvisors SPAZA) unspools five roomy compositions that spotlight his tender trombone talents alongside saxophonist Nhlanhla Mahlangu and trumpeters Brandon Ruiters and Tebogo Seitei. Whether riffing off Herbie Hancock’s Ostinato or hymning late bassist Senzo Nxumalo and mentor Jonas Gwangwa, UMDALI’s mellow ebb and flow unleashes a potent melodic balm. AC