What makes Saxuality by Candy Dulfer notable?

The album features the hit single 'Lily Was Here,' which achieved significant chart success and became a defining track of the saxophone-led jazz genre. Dulfer's style and this album contributed to the popularization of smooth jazz in the early '90s, influencing many artists who followed. Saxuality marks Candy Dulfer's debut album, released in 1990 when she was just 20 years old. At this point in her career, Dulfer had already gained recognition as a talented saxophonist, having performed with icons like Prince. This album established her as a prominent figure in the smooth jazz scene.

Who is Saxuality for?

Saxuality works well if you're into inviting grooves for socializing, uplifting melodies for celebration and for afternoon relaxation.

How many songs are on Saxuality?

Saxuality has 12 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Saxuality

Candy Dulfer · 1990

53 min · 12 tracks · jazz

Lush saxophone melodies weave through vibrant jazz-funk grooves, creating an inviting soundscape rich in rhythm and emotion.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Lily Was Here — This track is pivotal for its memorable melody and has become synonymous with Dulfer's sound, showcasing her emotive saxophone playing.
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So What — A fresh take on a classic standard, this track highlights Dulfer's ability to blend traditional jazz elements with contemporary flair, making it stand out.
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There Goes the Neighbourhood — With its catchy hooks and rhythmic drive, this track exemplifies the album's funky atmosphere and demonstrates Dulfer’s versatility as a performer.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

60 /100

Treeline

Higher than 66% of albums we've rated

The album blends vibrant jazz-funk with strong saxophone leads, creating a distinctive sound that appeals to smooth jazz fans.

What we noticed

The album features a consistent use of saxophone melodies that dominate the arrangements, often layered over rhythmic funk grooves.
Tracks like 'Lily Was Here' and 'So What' showcase extended improvisation sections, allowing the saxophone to explore various melodic ideas.
The first half of the album maintains an upbeat tempo, while the latter half introduces slower, more contemplative pieces.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

inviting grooves for socializing
uplifting melodies for celebration
for afternoon relaxation
catchy hooks for spontaneous dancing
rich textures for deep listening

Maybe skip if you

seeking intense emotional weight
prefer fast-paced, aggressive sounds

Where this album fits

Career context: Saxuality marks Candy Dulfer's debut album, released in 1990 when she was just 20 years old. At this point in her career, Dulfer had already gained recognition as a talented saxophonist, having performed with icons like Prince. This album established her as a prominent figure in the smooth jazz scene.
Stylistic neighbors: Dave Koz· Boney James· Gerald Albright

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Lily Was Here 4:20
2 Pee Wee 3:50
3 Saxuality 4:12
4 So What 5:00
5 Jazzid 4:21
6 Heavenly City 4:08
7 Donja 5:18
8 There Goes the Neighbourhood 3:55
9 Mr. Lee 4:57
10 Get the Funk 4:15
11 Home Is Not a House 4:11
12 Lily Was Here (DNA remix) 4:27

What to play next

Listen next

Sax-a-Go-Go

1993

Go back to

Lily Was Here

1989

Full Candy Dulfer discography Artists like Candy Dulfer

cool jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata