Bhen you look at the Dutch saxophone virtuoso, it's hard to believe: Candy Dulfer (47) has been toiling away on stages around the world for more than 28 years. Without any artificiality, she, the former child prodigy, still radiates youthful freshness and creates storms of enthusiasm at her concerts.
Even as a child, she was encouraged by her famous father, jazz saxophonist Hans Dulfer - at her express wish. A little later, as a teenager,she took off with her own compositions. Neither her flawless looks nor the glamor of the artists with whom she soon worked were able to eclipse her own work.
Her breakthrough came with her appearance as the opening act on Madonna's European tour. And then came the collaboration with Prince, for whom Dulfer played her saxophone in the video clip for "Partyman".
This co-production almost fell through, as the US musician initially canceled her appearance shortly before a concert in the Netherlands. Offended in her vanity and driven by ambition, Dulfer sent one of her autograph cards to Prince with an angry text. It works: The radio god gives the saxophonist a chance.
Instead of resting in Prince's shadow, the then twenty-year-old released her most successful song to date shortly afterwards in 1989. "Lily Was Here", recorded with Eurythmics guitarist Dave Stewart, is Candy Dulfer's worldwide hit. This hit was followed by the album "Saxuality", which sold millions of copies. At the same time, international stars such as Pink Floyd, Van Morrison and Beyoncé brought the Dutchwoman to their side.
Today, Candy Dulfer thrills audiences both in large arenas and in small, intimate clubs, where her jazzy sound comes across particularly well. For her, it's all about being together with her fans. "Together" is the title of her album released at the end of 2016.
She wants to be together with her Swiss fans remarkably often. Dulfer once said that she feels particularly understood here. You can soon admire the Grande Dame of Sax live in Gstaad.
This article first appeared in SonntagsBlick.
CANDY DULFER
27.05.17, Das Zelt Gstaad
3.11.17, Gesnerallee Zurich
4.11.17, Bierhübeli Bern
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