The life and music of Candy Dulfer 💫 🎷
Who is Candy Dulfer? Dulfer was born on September 19, 1969, in Amsterdam, Netherlands, into a family deeply rooted in the jazz scene. Her father, Hans Dulfer, was a renowned jazz saxophonist who not only performed but also founded the Bimhuis, a prominent jazz venue in Amsterdam. This environment exposed Candy to a plethora of jazz legends from a young age, including Dexter Gordon and Archie Shepp, who frequently visited their home. At the age of four, she had the opportunity to witness the legendary Sonny Rollins perform, an experience that left a lasting impression on her.
Candy began her musical journey by playing the drums at five and then transitioned to the soprano saxophone at six. By seven, she switched to the alto saxophone and joined a local concert band, Jeugd Doet Leven, in Zuiderwoude. Her first solo performance was with her father’s band, De Perikels, at the age of 11. At 12, she performed at the North Sea Jazz Festival with Rosa King’s Ladies Horn section, a pivotal moment that encouraged her to pursue a career as a bandleader.
At 14, Candy founded her own band, Funky Stuff, marking the beginning of her professional music career. The band gained recognition in the Netherlands, and Candy’s exceptional talent soon caught the attention of international artists. In 1989, she collaborated with Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics on the instrumental track “Lily Was Here,” which became a worldwide hit and earned her a Grammy nomination. This success led to her debut album, Saxuality, released in 1990.
Collaborations with music legends
Throughout her career, Candy has had the privilege of working with some of the most iconic figures in music. Her collaborations include:
- Prince: Candy joined Prince’s band during the Musicology tour in 2004, contributing her distinctive saxophone sound to the live performances
- Van Morrison: Candy featured as a guest saxophonist on Morrison’s live album A Night in San Francisco (1993)
- Maceo Parker: She has performed with the legendary saxophonist, known for his work with James Brown and Parliament-Funkadelic.
- Sheila E.: Candy has collaborated with the percussionist and singer, known for her work with Prince and Ringo Starr.
- Pink Floyd: Candy performed with Pink Floyd during their 1990 concert at Knebworth, a performance that was later included in the band’s live album Live at Knebworth ’90.
- Beyoncé: Candy has shared the stage with the pop icon, adding her unique saxophone flair to the performances.
- Aretha Franklin: She has had the honor of performing with the Queen of Soul, showcasing her versatility across genres.
These collaborations highlight Candy’s ability to seamlessly blend her jazz roots with various musical styles, creating a sound that is uniquely her own.
Through the 1990s and 2000s, Candy Dulfer continued to release successful albums that showcased both her instrumental prowess and her growth as a composer and bandleader. Records like Sax-a-Go-Go (1993), Big Girl (1995), and Candy Store (2007) solidified her reputation as one of the most dynamic voices in contemporary jazz-funk. Her live performances, known for their high energy and spontaneity, often blur the lines between concert and party, drawing audiences into her joyful and infectious musical world.
Beyond her recordings and tours, Candy Dulfer has also made significant contributions to promoting jazz and instrumental music to wider audiences. She’s appeared in numerous TV shows, documentaries, and festivals, representing not only her artistry but also Dutch jazz culture on a global stage. In 2022, she released We Never Stop, an album that reflects her ongoing commitment to optimism and resilience through music, a project filled with modern grooves and positive energy, proving that her creativity continues to evolve with time.
Today, Candy Dulfer represents more than musical skill, she’s a symbol of creative independence and charisma. Her sound is instantly recognizable: bold, funky, and full of soul. Decades later, her saxophone still speaks with the same energy and authenticity that made the world fall in love with her music.
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