DUDU PAKWANA

From the wondrous Aquarium Drunkard comes this tribute!

Some For Dudu :: A Dudu Pukwana Companion

“If he plays a gig in some club, it’s the talk of the town for the whole year. Who can afford to pay for so much entertainment?… Well, for those who do not know Dudu Pukwana, he is the heaviest of the heaviest alto saxophone players and for many of us coming from South Africa… THE TEACHER. Go on doing the BOOGIE Bra Dudza.” – Joe Malinga (liner notes, One For Dudu)

Here now, “Some For Dudu,” a celebration and glance at Pukwana: the teacher, the exile, the saxophonist, the front man, the collaborator, the pianist, the singer and shouter; two hours of calm, frenzy, jazz and beyond.

I first came across the work of Dudu Pukwana via Mike Heron's solo album 'Smiling Men With Bad Reputations' which was never off my turntable when it came out and the sax and piano [apparently?] took a hold of me not least the extraordinary name and I have always liked his phrasing on the saxophone ever since. Check this it is REALLY worth a listen! Extraordinary joyful rhythmic and jazz at its very best!