Candy Dulfer: The Dutch Saxophone Virtuoso of Funk and Pop

Candy Dulfer is a world-renowned saxophonist from the Netherlands who carved a unique space for herself in the global pop and funk landscape. Her 1990 debut album Saxuality was a massive commercial success, achieving platinum status in several countries and earning her a Grammy nomination.

Early career

Born in Amsterdam in 1969, Candy Dulfer was immersed in music from childhood as the daughter of jazz saxophonist Hans Dulfer. She began playing professionally as a teenager, forming her band Funky Stuff and quickly gaining a reputation for her powerful, soulful tone and dynamic stage presence. Her first major break came in 1987 when she was invited to join Prince's band for his European Sign o' the Times tour, a pivotal experience that exposed her to massive audiences.

Breakthrough

Candy Dulfer's international breakthrough arrived in 1990 with the release of her debut album Saxuality on the BMG Ariola label. Propelled by the infectious single "Lily Was Here," a collaboration with British guitarist Dave Stewart that topped charts across Europe, the album sold over two million copies worldwide. This success firmly established her as a leading instrumentalist in the mainstream music scene.

Key tracks

Lily Was Here — This instrumental duet with Dave Stewart was a global chart-topper and remains her signature song.

Saxuality — The title track from her multi-platinum debut album showcased her funky, accessible playing style.

Heavenly City — A later track highlighting her evolution into smooth jazz and adult contemporary radio formats.

Funked Up — This high-energy song exemplifies the powerful, party-ready sound of her live performances.

2 Funky — A collaboration with American rapper Vanilla Ice demonstrated her crossover appeal into the hip-hop realm.

Following her explosive debut, Dulfer maintained a steady output of successful albums throughout the 1990s and 2000s, including Sax-A-Go-Go (1993) and Girls Night Out (2007). She has collaborated with a staggering array of music legends beyond Prince, including Pink Floyd, David A. Stewart, Maceo Parker, and many others. Her work consistently charts in the Netherlands and finds a strong audience on contemporary jazz and pop radio formats globally.

Fans of Candy Dulfer's brand of energetic, melodic saxophone-driven funk and pop should also explore other Dutch talents in the genre. Roger Shah blends electronic music with smooth instrumental melodies. Benny Sings offers a modern, minimalist take on soulful pop with jazz influences. For a deeper dive into classic Dutch jazz-funk, the work of Lefties Soul Connection is highly recommended.

Candy Dulfer's vibrant catalog is a staple on numerous radio stations featured on this website, particularly those specializing in smooth jazz, adult contemporary hits, and dedicated funk and soul formats. Her instantly recognizable saxophone lines provide the perfect soundtrack for both relaxed listening and upbeat moments.

You can hear the dynamic music of Candy Dulfer on various radio stations available through onairium.com, where her classic hits and newer recordings remain in regular rotation for listeners worldwide.