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Nduduzo Makhathini at the Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society
Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society
Half Moon Bay, California
November 3, 2024
As the waves gently lapped upon the shore beneath the setting sun on a lovely early November Sunday in Half Moon Bay, San Francisco, pianist, composer, bandleader and healer
Nduduzo Makhathini
keyboardsb.1982
Makhathini is a Renaissance man whose ken comprises not only music but also a wide range of African tribal philosophies and folklore and a heliocentric
Sun Ra
piano1914 - 1993
He began with a short monologue introducing the music and the band members. It was immediately apparent that there was more to this day's menu than just music.
The music was challenging to categorize and even more so to write about. It commenced with a slow, dreamy introduction that soon upshifted into an upbeat but soulful theme. Makhathini's fleet fingers flew over the keyboard like a 150-wpm typist. His playing style at times, is reminiscent of South African-style pianist-composer Randy Weston, who has been described as a "civilized" Thelonious Monk. His playing employs adjacent-note groupings akin to arpeggios. He could go from a whisper to chaotic shouting in a New York nanosecond. While it is difficult to describe the individual pieces due to the many excellent, sometimes challenging, and subtle mood shifts, it was apparent that each had its distinct movements, much like classical symphonies that have an overarching unity.
Makhathini also would create up-tempo rhythmic mosaics à la
Andrew Hill
piano1931 - 2007
Another fine young musician, " data-original-title="" title="">Kabelo Mokhatla, admirably held down the drum chair. His unique stream-of-consciousness style instantly synched with Makhatini's, and he employed abrupt, thunderous rhythmic explosions to punctuate the groove. Mention must be made of South African pianist-composer treasure
Abdullah Ibrahim
pianob.1934
"
data-original-title="" title="">Dollar Brand), another vital influence on Makhathini, whose unique stylings gave a distinct, uplifting South African 'freedom sound' feel that must be experienced. It sings to one's soul. Makhathini, a Zulu tribesman, offered glossolalia and tribal musical incantations throughout the music and during his orations between compositions. Drummer Makhatla used his woodblock to imitate the clicking sound of East and South African speech. What a compelling and enlivening performance.
Tags
Live Review
Nduduzo Makhathini
Roy Strassman
United States
California
san francisco
Thelonious Monk
Andrew Hill
Zwelakhe Duma Bell Le Pere
abdullah ibrahim
Dollar Brand
Bach Dancing and Dynamite Society
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