There’s probably no need to keep repeating the fact, but in case you weren’t already aware, most people know the South African pianist Nduduzo Makhathini from Shabaka & The Ancestors. The exciting spiritual jazz he has already released through a series of his own albums, has always flown on its own. In addition to being a pianist, Makhathini is a spiritual Zulu healer and teacher who delves deep into the history of his ancestors, and who harbors both futurist and traditionalist elements within him. You really need to experience Makhathini live, such as during his 2022 festival appearance, to see for yourself how he is almost physically lifted from his piano stool when the musical spirit touches him, channelizing anyone watching into a different state of being. His specific Zulu gospel style is always the main element, but the ghosts of John Coltrane and McCoy Tyner never seem to stray too far from his side.
