Candy Dulfer - Sax-A-Go-Go [FLAC+MP3](Big Papi) 1993 Jazz Original CD torrent

By Scot Merideth Peirson

I had known about Candy Dulfer since 1989. For those who remember Prince's "Partyman" from the Batman soundtrack, it was her solo that sent that track stupid--stunning performance from...A 19-YEAR OLD. WHITE GIRL. FROM HOLLAND.

Then, when I moved to Oslo in 1990, this stunning sax-and-acoustic guitar track started getting major play, both on the radio and on MTV. For those familiar with her, you know what I'm talking about--"Lily Was Here". Released as a theme song for a movie, the original release of "Saxuality" didn't have "Lily" on it, but it was still an interesting album--it was obvious that the lady had been raised listening to a lot of R-and-B.

It was in 1992 that "Sax-A-Go-Go" got released. And yeah, the cover got me (Interestingly, the stateside version has a...less risque cover). This takes off from the beginning with "2 Funky", and this is probably one of her five best studio performances. It's an introduction to a party jam. The title track has become one of her theme pieces in concert.

But there are three tracks that really stick out on this album--"Jammin", in which Candy teams with the JBs; in particular her tradeoffs in the bridge with Maceo Parker (Think about it--she's trading riffs with the great Maceo), her cover of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" where her sax replaces Bonnie's voice, and the cover of AWB's "Pick Up The Pieces"--if you are able to get the US version of this album (or the Japanese import, "The Best Of Candy Dulfer--Candy Funky Mix"), you get a no-holds barred, punched up version that's better than the Euro version. The quietness of "Sunday Morning" completes the album.

Among my Candy collection, I've always considered this her best album--I've always suspected that "Saxuality" was rushed out to jump on her newfound popularity at the time, whereas "Sax-A-Go-Go" was much more prepared and allowed many listeners to begin to see what she liked to play.

If you can find the US version of this, it also contains a radio edit of "2 Funky"--not even close to being as good as the long version, but the album makes up for it with "Pick Up The Pieces" (Which has become another concert staple for her). Worth it for the music, worth it for the cover.