Fans of the Chicagoan saxophonist and bandleader will know of his strong ties to South Africa, as documented on 2000's Jo'Burg Jump. This latest project homes in specifically on the subject of the country's revered son, Nelson Mandela, and produces a blend of defiant joy and deep sorrow that adequately reflects the realities of the late leader's life, as well as that of both an apartheid and post-apartheid society. The 14-piece big band is a vehicle for Dawkins to explore his most Ellingtonian of muses and the spectrum of tonal colour fashioned by the four reeds and five brass, particularly the three trumpets, is impressive. The more subtle pastel shadings of the arrangements are effective on the passages in which Dee Alexander's vocals come to the fore, but there is also a torrid, if not tempestuous blues quality in the music – materialising both as swing and groove – that is also well served by this expanded line-up. With the likes of Corey Wilkes, Steve Berry and Irving Pierce in the band there is a high standard of musicianship to be enjoyed but mention must also be made of the contribution of poet Khari B whose fire-spitting verses frame the scores with a rabblerousing and thought-provoking narrative.