Nduduzo Makhathini

“an ocean of intelligent, emotional, soul-nourishing music” – Jazz Times

Nduduzo Makhathini grew up in the lush and rugged hillscapes of umGungundlovu in South Africa, a peri-urban landscape in which music and ritual practices were symbiotically linked. This deeply embedded symbiosis is key to understanding Makhathini’s vision.

Through his mentor Mseleku, Makhathini was also introduced to the music of John Coltrane’s classic quartet with McCoy Tyner. “I came to understand my voice as a pianist through John Coltrane’s A Love Supreme,” he says. Makhathini also cites American jazz pianists including Andrew Hill, Randy Weston and Don Pullen as significant influences.

Suitor:

Presenting a wide range of music, from indie rock to post-bop. DeCarlo Jackson (Hippo Campus, Hey Arlo!, DNM) and Joey C. Hays (BadBadHats, Boyish, Trashdate) assembled this cast of local session musicians to manage an obscure set of wavy tunes. Some dark, some major. Alongside Evan Slack (Sid Sriram, PFM, Hey Arlo!) playing guitar and triggering samples, and Sam Rosenstone (Hippo Campus, Samia, PFM) armed with various synthesizers. The band plans on utilizing the human voice as a texture, as well as a story telling device. With the help of our wonderful, featured vocalists Papaya Evermore (The Loving Light, Marvelous), and Bob Kabeya (Miloe), Suitor plans on making this special date one to remember.

DeCarlo Jackson – trumpet/flugelhorn
Evan Slack – guitar
Joey C. Hays – drums
Sam Rosenstone – keys/synthesizer
Papaya Evermore – vocals
Bob Kabeya – vocals

LEARN MORE: https://www.bluenote.com/artist/nduduzo-makhathini/