Nduduzo Makhathini at EFG London Jazz Festival
On Thursday night, I headed out to Kings Place, London’s music hub near King’s Cross in the heart of town. Playing that night was South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini who released his third Blue Note LP “Unomkhubulwane” earlier this year. Most songs of the set were from this fascinating album which is full of trance-like moments, repetitive motifs, and the chanting vocals of the leader. The album is an homage to a Zulu goddess and is full of magic and myths, as was the music during that particular evening. Accompanied by his brilliant bassist and drummer, Nduduzo really managed to captivate the audience with his intense and emotional playing. He could beat the keys very hard, but then again, almost caressing them during the slower numbers.
Halfway through the concert, he stood up and tried to explain how the music comes about and what he’s trying to achieve. It all came down to the fact that they study each and every day, only to forget everything they learned once they take to the stage. His music, his sound can be somewhat defiant at times, yet it is usually extraordinarily beautiful. Drawing on the melodies of his songs from his new album, the group often took its chances and opened up for catching and stupendous solos. Nduduzo seemingly had a lot of fun exchanging with his bandmates and thus, all of the songs here became a bit more refreshing, at other times a bit more relaxing, and altogether more exciting than on record. The pieces from his “Libations” and “Water Spirits” sections from his LP were especially gratifying and convincing. And also, deliberately or not, the whole set was immensely well-paced.
There are four more upcoming concerts this week:
11/26 Hamburg – Laeiszhalle
11/27 Vienna – Porgy & Bess
11/28 Barcelona – Conservatori Del Liceu
11/30 Madrid – Sala Villanos
He will also play at Pierre Boulez Saal in Berlin on May 1st.
