Abdullah Ibrahim - The Balance

[mjzee]

Release date June 28:

Abdullah Ibrahim (who has also recorded as Dollar Brand) is one of South Africa's most famous musicians. His music is often referred to as representing freedom. His major anti-apartheid anthem 'Mannenberg' (released as 'Capetown Fringe' in the US) thas come to be regarded as an unofficial national anthem in South Africa. He even performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration, where Mandela referred to him as our Mozart. He's played with everyone from Duke Ellington to Max Roach, John Coltrane to Ornette Coleman, and is the father of underground rapper Jean Grae. Encompassing Township-Jazz, solo piano, Highlife and plentiful modern jazz styles, this brand new studio album (recorded with his band Ekaya at RAK Studios in London,) is a major return for a genuine living Jazz legend.On April 15th 2019 Abdullah will be received into the NEA Jazz Masters fellowship, the highest honour the United States bestows upon jazz musicians.There are few musicians in jazz that can make you feel that all is right in the world like Ibrahim.

See: https://www.amazon.com/Balance-Abdullah-Ibrahim/dp/B07QQHLWV1/ref=sr_1_33?fst=as%3Aoff&qid=1556233453&refinements=p_n_date%3A1249114011&rnid=1249111011&s=music&sr=1-33

[Pim]

Thanks for the heads up. Ibrahim is one of my all time favorites. I own about 42 records by him but can’t get enough Ibrahim. 

Saw him last year, 83 years old, solo piano in Belgium. I was a short but breathtaking concert. Just Ibrahim and the piano, not even an amplifier or anything. One of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Lovely and humble guy.

any info on personel yet? Or is it another solo record like the last ones? Those (Mukashi, Senzo) are so beautiful and melancholic. 

[Pim]

Loving that cover btw! 

[mjazzg]

7 hours ago, Pim said:

Thanks for the heads up. Ibrahim is one of my all time favorites. I own about 42 records by him but can’t get enough Ibrahim. 

Saw him last year, 83 years old, solo piano in Belgium. I was a short but breathtaking concert. Just Ibrahim and the piano, not even an amplifier or anything. One of the most beautiful things I have ever witnessed. Lovely and humble guy.

any info on personel yet? Or is it another solo record like the last ones? Those (Mukashi, Senzo) are so beautiful and melancholic. 

It's with Ekaya. More here

https://store.gearboxrecords.com/products/abdullah-ibrahim-lp-pre-order

[Pim]

Thanks!

[kh1958]

I'm finding this release to be highly enjoyable. It seems to be a similar version of Ekaya that I saw in New Orleans in 2017. No name players in the band, but a well-integrated unit expertly playing Mr. Ibrahim's beautiful compositions. 

[mjazzg]

One of my albums of the year. I like the restraint of Ibrahim's contributions. Gorgeous tunes, beautifully played.

[aparxa]

A fine record. I like the rendition of the title track. From his recent records, I think I've enjoyed Sotho Blue the most (Nisa!)  released around the time I saw the group in Ramatuelle. It was a great night. From his post 1990 outputs, the ones I return the most often are Yarona, Cape Town Flowers, Cape Town Revisited and African Magic.

A new record is coming soon called Dream Time on Enja!

[Pim]

Agreed! This is wonderful stuff. Incredible that he still makes such beautiful music.