Track of the day: Nduduzo Makhathini's Indawu

The most exciting pianist to emerge from the South African scene since Bheki Mseleku? Yes! Pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini's Blue Note debut is looking set to be one of the most significant albums of the year when it is released next month. …

Published: 6 Mar 2020. Updated: 4 years.

The most exciting pianist to emerge from the South African scene since Bheki Mseleku? Yes! Pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini's Blue Note debut is looking set to be one of the most significant albums of the year when it is released next month. Of the singles so far from Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds all are consistently engrossing and worth your time. Check the McCoy Tyner-esque driving fervour of “Indawu” today. The single pays tribute to the spirits of the Nguni people that live in and underneath water and features Logan Richardson on sax among the personnel and in their rapport recalls Mseleku's understanding with Joe Henderson. SG

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Kobe trio, Andersons, Sligo

Opening for the Linley Hamilton quintet last night at Andersons in Sligo The Kobe Trio played selections from their debut album Kobe. The trio, who place the emphasis strongly on original composition drawn from a modal impressionist base, pianist …

Published: 6 Mar 2020. Updated: 4 years.

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Opening for the Linley Hamilton quintet last night at Andersons in Sligo The Kobe Trio played selections from their debut album Kobe.

The trio, who place the emphasis strongly on original composition drawn from a modal impressionist base, pianist Mark Murphy displayed an Esbjörn Svensson sense of quiet ecstasy to his characterful solos delivering pedal note leads that fed into some handsome solos from the Belfast born Irish-US bass guitarist Jaimie Carswell who is the heart and soul of the band.

Drummer Con Schmaucks was a listening presence in this short set stylistically a little like Bill Stewart, the highlight of which for me was located in the Herbie-like poise of 'For All' while the three part 'With Cian's Help' suite was squished into a medley for brevity's sake given that the support slot was a half an hour or so. 'Country Song' from the album also featured. A trio you've got to hear. Hopefully the word will get out more and more about their appealing approach that allows plenty of room for motivic development in the improvisational passages. Certainly this Andersons showing aids that process of gaining wider recognition no end. SG.

Mark Murphy, above left, Jaimie Carswell, Con Schmaucks, photo marlbank