Candy Dulfer: Right In My Soul

Saxophonist Candy Dulfer came to prominence with a smooth, R&B-inflected sound that owed much to David Sanborn. On Right in My Soul (Eagle), her first studio album in four years, Dulfer, in collaboration with producers Jon Kingsley Hall and George Stewart, unveils a beats-heavy approach that’s radically different from her familiar smooth sound. Vocals, long part of Dulfer’s music, now dominate, with her saxophone having a less prominent place in the arrangements.

A dark funk rhythm propels Dulfer’s sung-spoken vocals on the title track, and her rousing take on Donny Hathway’s “Valdez in the Country,” one of the few instrumentals on the album, features an appearance by saxophonist Maceo Parker. The album includes two versions of the tune “Let Me Show You;” the first features fusion-esque keyboards and dance grooves, while the drum ‘n’ bass remix provides a completely different feel, courtesy of Latin horns and a sped-up tempo. Dulfer’s new sound might take some getting used to, but Right in My Soul is a compelling offering and certainly worth checking out.

Originally Published July 1, 2003