Nduduzo Makhathini: ‘The Myth We Choose’

‘The Myth We Choose’ is the new studio album from pianist, composer, healer and philosopher Nduduzo Makhathini.

The opening track on the album was also released as a single in advance of the 26 June release - Kuzodlula. A sumptuous arrangement from Makhathini that seems to reach right into your soul and where he encourages us all to contemplate the nature of forgiveness and says: “Real forgiveness is the very attempt to forgive the unforgivable.”

The Myth We Choose seems to be all about collaboration, beginning with co-production by Makhathini and his 18-year-old son, Thingo Makhathini. The pianist himself brings in his working trio with Dalisu Ndlazi (bass) and Lukmil Perez (drums), with additional contributions from Ayanda Sikade (drums) and multi-instrumentalist Shabaka, DJ and producer Black Coffee, Robin Fassie (trumpet), Keenan Ahrends (guitar) and vocalists Thando Zide, Muneyi and Omagugu, Makhathini’s spouse and longtime collaborator.

Although there is a clear message, this is also beautiful music, rhythmically, harmonically and melodically. Stripping back to the piano intro on Kwamabili, the trio introduces this beautiful and haunting ballad that has a dream-like quality throughout.

When we reach Liyoze Line Nangakithi, Shabaka’s flute is similarly ethereal, floating over bass, piano and percussion with electronics expanding the sonic field. As each tune yields to the next, we find a new realm of musical exploration - probably emanating from that collaborative sense across the composition and improvisation.

Every track on this album has something different to say, in a different way and the traditional soundscapes mix with the modern with a genuine depth - Makhathini’s piano trio on Zimthilili, for instance, sits under the vocals and electronics as the perfect stability onto which the creativity can flourish. This is a complex album that reveals more of itself and its collaborators with each hearing.

‘The Myth We Choose’ is released on Blue Note on 26 June