Those lucky enough to have been exposed to Dudu Pukwana's music will forever be in the grip of of a rare and beautiful musical spirit. More than 20 years after his death, his uniquely original music lives in a powerful and inspirational way. This album is a tribute to Dudu helmed by American musician/producer Andrew Scott, who first heard the Blue Notes in 1966 at Leeds University - the genesis of a personal musical journey leading up to this special project. Duduvudu has been a family affair - a true international, multi-generational collaborative labour of love with direct involvement of those most intimately associated with Dudu, The Blue Notes, and Brotherhood of Breath: trumpeter Harry Beckett (his last recording session), percussionist Thomas Dyani, bassist Nick Stephens, trombonist Annie Whitehead, guitarist Pierre Dørge (New Jungle Orchestra), Hazel Miller of Ogun Records (and the widow of Blue Notes bassist Harry Miller), and Veronica Beckett, widow of Harry Beckett. Dudu s widow Barbara Pukwana is executive producer. The initial recordings were done in London in November 2009 with the addition of Dave Draper on guitar, Mark Sanders on drums, Jody Scott on trumpet, Ntshuks Bonga on alto, and Chloe Scott on flute. Additional tracks have been recorded in San Francisco by some of the Bay Area s finest. The Musical Director of Duduvudu is the renowned London-born, San Francisco-based flutist, Chloe Scott. Jody Scott is co-producer/chief mix engineer on the project. Although there have been a number of recordings dedicated to Dudu and the Blue Notes, this tribute focuses on an area perhaps not explored in depth - the blues/gospel/dance imbued in the music. As out as it gets, the groove is woven throughout.
credits
released March 3, 2022
Mike Aaberg Keyboards
Harry Beckett Trumpet
Ntshuks Bonga Sax (Alto)
Ernest Boykin Bass
Geoff Brennan Bass
Dennis Criteser Bass
Pierre Dørge Guitar
Dave Draper Guitar
Thomas Dyani Percussion
Mara Fox Trombone
Pedro Gomez Drums
Darren Grant Keyboards
Rolf Johnson Arranger, Piano, Trumpet
Josh Jones Arranger, Drums
Jak Kilby Cover Photo, Photography
Hadley Louden Percussion, Piano
Bob Menacho Bass
Adam Mori Sax (Tenor)
Rudy Ortiz Percussion
Jim Peterson Sax (Alto), Sax (Tenor)
Mark Sanders Drums
Andrew Scott Arranger, Drums, Engineer, Executive Producer, Liner Notes, Photography
Chloe Scott Arranger, Flute, Musical Direction
Jody Scott Arranger, Composer, Engineer, Photography, Trumpet
Pauline Crowther Scott Cover Art
David Somers Sax (Tenor)
Nick Stephens Bass
Wayne Wallace Trombone
Jim Warshauer Sax (Alto)
Mary Wehner Trombone
Annie Whitehead Arranger, Composer, Trombone
Ross Wilson Trumpet
Fred Catero Engineer
Susie Foot Second Engineer
M. Chanquion Photography
Cybele Chausset Photography
Derek Gabriel Photography
Jody Scott & Bayonics Arranger
Bob Johnston Producer
Barbara Pukwana Executive Producer
Michael Romanowski Mastering
supported by 9 fans who also own “The Gospel According To Dudu Pukwana”
This is a rare treat. The London Jazz Scene of the 60s, 70s was extraordinary. An era of great charts, superb players and increasing innovation. This exudes a confidence and a scene reaching for its own unique voice. John Fenton