Renowned jazz musician Masala Mbevhana, better known in music circles as Raymond Blues, has completed recording his third jazz album, intriguingly titled The Goat That Ate the Tree.
Like many celebrated jazz musicians across the world, Raymond Blues draws inspiration for his music from his personal experiences and life's unexpected moments.
His debut album, Erupted Souls, released in 2023, was born from a traumatic encounter when he was accosted by armed robbers who made off with his laptop, cell phone and cash. On that project, he collaborated with one of the country's most respected guitarists, Sydney Makhado, from the village of Mulodi in the Thengwe district. Makhado is a seasoned session artist who has performed with various musical groups, including Adziambei and Galaha Masindi.
Following the release of Erupted Souls and his second album, The Ghost of Elnita, Raymond Blues believed he had reached the end of his recording journey. "Every man must find inner peace in life, and I thought I was really happy, but something happened in my life recently when a neighbour let his goats eat all the fruit trees I planted at home. This triggered my inner soul and I composed the song The Goat That Ate My Tree on the spot," he said.
He added that the new album also featured two other songs he had recently composed, titled The Kiss of the Neck and That Yellow Bone.
The album is set for release on Friday.
"I am calling on all jazz fans to get the album as it is rich with an Afro-Jazz sound and flair. To get the album, go to Masalambevhama@gmail.com," he said.