"The visionary South African pianist and composer Nduduzo Makhathini makes his Blue Note Records debut, Modes of Communication: Letters from the Underworlds, an expansive album anchored by Makhathini's expressive, McCoy Tyner inspired piano in modal style in which lyrical, plaintive horns mingle with percussion, vocal shouts and urgent lyrics. He's the first South African artist to ever sign with the legendary label".