 | Abdullah Ibrahim - Voice of Africa
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| A must for all Jazz Lovers from the Master of African Jazz | |
| This remarkable album by Cape Town born Abdullar Ibrahim (aka Dollar Brand) epitomises the genius of this Jazz veteran. This album is the "story" an undaunted man who rose to greatest in a country in racial-turmoil. This story telling through the energy of Ibrahim and his Piano come to a head in the tear-jerking performance of Mannenberg: a reminder of days gone by and troubled times to all South Africans. Like many jazz musicians, Ibrahim found most of his career success playing along the East Coast of the US - yet he never gave up his African routes and most of his work has an unmistakable African flavour to it. Perhaps that was why he has been so highly acclaimed. This album certainly encompasses this. This album works on all levels. It is critically commendedable, an uplifting story, and perhaps best of all: is unintrusive as background music. Conclusion: A must for all Jazz Collections. | |
| Triumphant, Transcendant Rapture From Across The Continents | |
| Abdullah Ibrahim's music and message fly nimbly across cultures with wings on its feet. From the opening, joyously cacophonous strains of "Black Lightening" to the closing serenity of "The Pilgrim", this CD works on every level, pleasing the ears while nourishing the heart and spirit. Listen to "Mannenberg Is Where It's Happening," and marvel at Mr. Ibrahim's township-meets-baroque harpsichord, in symbiotic call-and-response with Basil Coetzee's breath-defying, melodic sax solos. The effect is pure rapture. This entire compilation exemplifies the commonalities of spirit and aesthetic that bind all humanity together. Irrespective of race, creed, or color, Mr. Ibrahim's delightfully transcendant hybrid of Ellingtonian piano jazz and African inflected rhythyms remind us that true communication is possible, and music may often be its most faithful messenger. Recommended highly for music lovers of all persuasions! |
