Credits:

Nduduzo Makhathini

Description:

This is the Blue Note debut album of Nduduzo Makatini, a pianist/healer/improviser/composer from South Africa who is in the spotlight. He is the first artist from South Africa to be signed by Blue Note! He grew up in Umgungunglovu County in South Africa. The area was once the kingdom of Dingane, the Zulu king, and historically, various ceremonies have been conducted mainly with music, and the people have relied on the power of music for healing and motivation. Influences have included unique South African jazz pioneers such as Bheki Museleku, Moses Morelekwa, and Abdullah Ibrahim, who also had strong emotions that are being lost in this day and age. He is also greatly influenced by the Coltrane and McCoy Tyner quartets, "It wasn't until I heard 'Supreme Love' that I realized I had a voice as a pianist." He also says that he was greatly influenced by the quartet of Coltrane and McCoy Tyner. Other influences include Andrew Hill, Randy Weston, and Don Pullen. Makhathini is also an educator and researcher, and his music, which has been described as "Zulu hymns," is full of power.

Tracklisting:

1.Yehlisan'uMoya
2.Saziwa Nguwe
3.Beneath The Earth
4.Unyazi
5.Isithunywa
6.Umlotha
7.Shine
8.On The Other Side
9.Umyalez'oPhuthumayo
10.Indawu
11.Emaphusheni