The Last Tree is Penman’s second project inspired by Climate Change, following on from his 2020 EP Do You Hear Me? (Sospiro Records). One of the spoken lines that permeates the title track of Do You Hear Me? is “nothing has changed”, which is a reflection on the fact that we have known about the effect humans are having on the planet for decades (Carbon Dioxide increase was first linked to global warming in 1938!), however, whilst politicians continue to pay lip service to the climate crisis, very little has been done to prevent its devastating effects and the situation has continued to get worse over the past five years. Whilst climate activists are arrested for peaceful protest, CEOs of oil and gas companies reap huge financial rewards for their exploits and suffer no consequences for their part in the devastation of our planet.

The Last Tree is an eight-movement suite for saxophone orchestra, with each movement based on a quote about climate change from a diverse range of sources. Striking images accompany each of the quotes and these can be found in the album notes and on the release website. The music encompasses a diverse range of styles ranging from the lush harmonies of A Fine Place and Doorway to Love right through to the brash and bombastic Big Fat Dose and Every Man’s Greed. The suite was originally written for the Guildhall School of Music Saxophone Ensemble and was premiered in the Music Hall at GSMD on 22/11/2024, conducted by the composer. In this studio recording, Penman has meticulously multi-tracked all fourteen parts of the ensemble.

A tree will be planted for every copy of the album purchased.