WDR Big Band feat. Nduduzo Makhathini - The Ntu Sound Chamber Experience

Nduduzo Makhathini is one of the most important representatives of the current jazz scene in South Africa. Coming from a musical family, he was drawn to church music as a child, and later studied in his home country and in America. The pianist, composer, and healer Nduduzo Makhathini became known internationally through his first Blue Note album "Modes Of Communication: Letters From The Underworlds," which was released in 2020. In his music, characterized by deep spirituality, jazz and traditional Zulu music meet. In addition to South African elements, it is also the musicians from his homeland who have inspired him, particularly pianist Abdullah Ibrahim. Makhathini's powerful playing is reminiscent of the artistry of McCoy Tyner.

Vince Mendoza has now arranged the music of Nduduzo Makhathini for the WDR Big Band for the first time. The WDR Big Band is the jazz big band of German public broadcasting Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) in Cologne. The collaboration between the WDR Big Band and South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini in "The Ntu Sound Chamber Experience" is a remarkable fusion of jazz traditions and African spirituality.

Line-Up:

Nduduzo Makhathini (piano)

WDR Big Band

Vince Mendoza (conductor, arrangements)