The title of this third Blue Be aware launch from South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini is the title of a Zulu goddess, “a regulator of nature, gentle and fertility”. It’s a reputation that isn’t evoked evenly – Makhathini, except for being a startlingly unique pianist, is a completely initiated sangoma, a shaman and healer, and his quest is non secular.
His earlier two albums, since touchdown on Blue Be aware in 2020, have been horn-heavy, suffused with the ecstatic spirit of Sixties Coltrane. Right here he brings a lighter contact, enjoying as a trio alongside Cuban-born drummer Francisco Mela and bassist Zwelakhe-Duma Bell le Pere, an American of South African descent. The album is not any much less entrancing than its predecessors, its 11 tracks organized as a three-part motion, shifting from Libations to Water Spirits to Internal Attainment.
Omnyama opens the document in quiet reverence, with a vocal accompaniment that’s half track, half prayer, whereas elsewhere the temper slides between contemplation (Uxolo) and enthusiasm (KwaKhangelamankengana), the place Makhathini’s enjoying invokes comparisons to McCoy Tyner, and the place blues, bop and people track are entwined.
The Internal Attainment part is probably the most melodic and arresting, ending on a solo piece, Ithemba, that’s a celebration of tranquillity and transcendence.
Excellent.
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