Nduduzo Makhathini Quartet

Nduduzo Makhathini Quartet

Pianist Nduduzo Makhathini has been heralded as the “rising star of South African jazz” by the BBC, and recognized as the torch-bearer, now carrying on the great tradition of Abdullah Ibrahim (Dollar Brand) and Hugh Masakela.

As a composer, Makhathini intentionally transmits the spirit of African cosmology: his music is large in scope and meditative, his songs evolve slowly and lodge in listeners’ hearts as well as their ears. Makhathini often cites pianists McCoy Tyner and Randy Weston as his major “jazz” influences – these legends visited Africa and were able to convey a musical representation of their experiences through their recordings, incorporating percussion and long-form compositions that evoked African life. Makhathini is a fresh source of inspiration to the musicians and listeners who continue to return figuratively to Africa as the original source of the essence of jazz. Quite simply, Makhathini is the embodiment of that essence. He respectfully upholds the tradition with humility and energy, calling on audiences to join him in a deep experience whenever he performs.

Mahkathini studied with the legendary South African pianist Bheki Mseleku and Moses Molelekwa. Their mentorships went beyond technique and included how to use music as a medium for spiritual development. In an interview with Phil Freeman on the “Burning Ambulance” podcast, Makhathini mentioned “I was chosen as a healer and that’s really what informs my world. I have a very clear understanding of the direction that I want to go for.”

He is a practicing Sangoma, who, according to Wikipedia, “believe that ancestors in the afterlife guide and protect the living. Sangomas are called to heal, and through them it is believed that ancestors from the spirit world can give instruction and advice to heal illness, social disharmony and spiritual difficulties.” Makhathini says that his compositions come to him when he explores “the healing properties that are embedded in the sound already,” and added that “messages are sent to me…and I have to respond whenever these things are shared with me or channeled through me.” Perhaps that is why Makhathini’s music is ethereal and feels like a natural, organic evolution of sound that transpires in real time. When this approach is compared with more common modes of composition (for example, pieces that are meticulously assembled through craftwork), there’s a dramatic contrast in both the process and the outcome. The music is freer and representative of temporal spirit as opposed to constructed ideas. Because of that, one needs to listen to Makhathini’s music through a different lens, to shed preconceived notions, to be open to the moment, to be willing to follow the sound and allow the journey to naturally unfold.

Makhathini’s resume includes appearances as a pianist, composer and/or producer on over 100 recordings. He is active as an educator and researcher, and is the head of the music department at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. He performs around the world at international festivals. Makhathini is a member of Shabaka Hutchings’ band Shabaka and the Ancestors and has also collaborated with artists including Logan Richardson, Nasheet Waits and many others. He has released eight albums of his own and won Best Jazz Album at the South African Music Awards (SAMA) for his album, Ikhambi. Makhathini’s Blue Note debut, Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds, was named one of the “Best Jazz Albums of 2020” by The New York Times.

The powerful musicians joining Makhathini include saxophonist Jaleel Shaw on alto saxophone. He is the winner of 2014 Downbeat Critics Poll’s for Rising Star Alto Saxophonist and has earned numerous other accolades. Shaw is a longtime member of the Roy Haynes Quartet, he played on Tom Harrell’s album Colors of a Dream and has performed with Christian McBride, Jason Moran, the Mingus Big Band, Pat Metheny, Stefon Harris, Roy Hargrove, Chick Corea, Dave Holland, Jimmy Cobb and numerous others. He has released four albums as a leader and has appeared as a sideman on numerous projects of critical acclaim.

Bassist Lonnie Plaxico has been on the scene long enough to propel the bands of Chet Baker, Sonny Stitt, Hank Jones, Junior Cook, Wynton Marsalis and Dexter Gordon. He was a member of Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition, and the M-Base Collective. Plaxico has 12 albums out as a leader and has appeared on over 350 recordings as a sideman.

Drummer Francisco Mela is a favorite of VJC audiences. He is a faculty member of the VJC Summer Jazz Workshop. The Cuban-born percussionist has joined forces with some of the greatest piano trios in the world, including those of McCoy Tyner, Kenny Barron, Gerri Allen and Alfredo Rodriguez. Mela loves to participate in collaborative, open-ended improvisation as evidenced by the work he has produced with his own Crash Trio, with Matt Shipp, Leo Genovese and bassist William Parker. A sideman on over five dozen recordings, Mela’s playing can be heard on recorded works by Esperanza Spalding, Leo Genovese, Melissa Aldana, Joe Lovano, Kenny Barron, Jane Bunnett and others.

Makhathini is a rising star whose name will soon be familiar to jazz audiences. Furthermore, he is surrounding himself with other artists that understand, empathize and resonate with his unique concept. The Jazz Center welcomes the quartet and you, our audience, as together we embark on a musical journey.