WDR Big Band feat. Nduduzo Makhathini

Nduduzo Makhathini is one of the most important figures in South Africa’s contemporary jazz scene. Born into a musical family, he was drawn to church music from an early age and later studied both in his home country and in the United States. The pianist, composer, and healer gained international recognition with his debut Blue Note album »Modes Of Communication: Letters From The Underworlds«, released in 2020. His music, deeply rooted in spirituality, blends jazz with traditional Zulu sounds. Alongside South African elements, it is above all the musicians of his homeland who have inspired him – most notably pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Makhathini’s powerful playing evokes the artistry of McCoy Tyner. Vince Mendoza has now arranged Nduduzo Makhathini’s music for the WDR Big Band for the very first time.