Candy Dulfer
Candy Store
(Heads Up – 2006)
by Ray Redmond
Dutch-born saxophonist Candy Dulfer has been wowing audiences for nearly two decades now. In every corner of the world she is known for having show-stopping musicianship and eye-popping sex appeal. Ever since her 1990 Grammy-nominated debut album Saxuality she has kicked out a string of hit CDs with an impressive and diverse list of collaborators that includes Prince, Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), Maceo Parker, Van Morrison, Beyonce, Pink Floyd and Aretha Franklin.
Dulfer joins the Heads Up Records with the release of the free-wheeling, high-energy Candy Store. This assortment of tasty tracks was crafted by Dulfer and fellow Dutchmen and longtime friends, guitarist and songwriter Ulco Bedand keyboardist Thomas Bank. They are joined by keyboardists / bassist / vocalist Chance Howard from Minneapolis – a member of Prince’s band, as well as Morris Day’s band, The Time the new kid in the store.
Written by Howard , the CD pops off on the upstroke with the house-style “Candy.” “If I Ruled The World” is my favorite; filled with sexy sax choruses and flutes atop a FUNK-EEE bassline, complimented by some smoking keyboard solos, this is truly a groove and a half. “L.A. Citylights” is slow and mellow, filled with smoky and evocative sax lines. “Soulsax” is also on the slower side, harkening back to the days when Grover and Kool’s Gang were in power on the slow-jam circuit.
Adding a bit of Latin spice are “La Cabana”, Dulfer’s ode to the Dutch Caribbean islands (Aruba, Curacao and Bonaire) and the smart “Back To Juan” with it’s handclaps and percussion base.
Not content to remain relegated to her heavenly horn, Dulfer delivers some solid vocals on “Summertime”, an uptemopo groove with an old school bumping bassline based on a classic skating song. The track features a full horn section to complement her sassy sax work. Candy also gives up some sweet and subtle vocal accents on the soulful closer, “Every time.”
Candy Dulfer’s name has become associated with good music, and she again delivers it in the Candy Store.