Jan. 12, 2012
Dutch sax beauty Candy Dulfer has returned to the scene with a thunderous new effort called Crazy, scheduled for release on Jan. 31 and produced by multi-instrumentalist and producer Printz Board–whose work 
includes serving as the musical director for the Black-Eyed Peas for over a decade.
Crazy is as indicative of the jam-heavy and hook-rich endeavors from this saxtress as any of her previous releases. Full of energy and drive, Crazy allows Dulfer to further cement herself in the mold of the who’s who in contemporary jazz with this release.
The album’s powerful and high-octane pace is preceded by a tell-tale intro called “Stop All That Noise,” where we hear what is apparently a neighbor complaining about the volume of this mover and shaker. Needless to say, the request (actually, a demand) goes unheeded, much to our pleasure as you will find.
The album’s up-tempo title track, with its off-centered sound effects, apparently designed to simulate what “crazy” might sound like, is done in her typically hot foot-stompin’ style. That’s followed by the slow to mid-tempo “Hey Now,” a most attractive, intense, and melodic track with Board on all other instruments and vocals.
The next couple of tracks, “Flame” and “Good Music,” are strictly rousing and full party grooves. Of course, that is no new observation, since any follower of Candy Dulfer knows that the woman has firmly staked out her territory on the party map.
Board and Dulfer do some very interesting things with the delightfully funky “Complic8ed Lives,” definitely one of my favorites here. Between this track and “Electric Blue” is another moment called “Calling Next Door” where that annoyed neighbor tries to reach the jamming Dulfer and Co. again by phone. The call goes unanswered, probably because it wasn’t heard (the caller is then heard resignedly saying “Forget it. I’m just going to call the police.”). Does the party stop? This happens on track 7; the CD has a generous 15 tracks. You tell me.
“In or Out” finds Dulfer belting out some sexy vocals, imploring her love partner to make a choice. Nice mix of electronica, jazz, and R&B here.
Breaking it down to a mid-tempo, rather sexy pace, Dulfer emphasizes that sweet side of her musical persona with “No End” and its lovely melody and hook. This tune’s intensity builds with a riveting and snappy guitar solo produced by multi-instrumentalist Ulco Bed.
Dulfer’s long-time cohort, keyboardist/vocalist Chance Howard, joins her on “Please Don’t Stop” for some seriously sensuous moments (this one goes way beyond sizzle. You may want to put the kiddies to bed before listening to this one!). That’s followed by the sexy, slow finale “Too Close.” Smart and sweet.
So it goes with the Dutch wonder with the crazy sax. The jams are hot, tight, and more than expressive. Grab this one for yet another adventure in Candyland. – Ronald Jackson
