Multicultural Bliss.
Abdullah Ibrahim, aka Dollar Brand, born Adolph Johannes Brand, was born in Cape Town South Africa in 1934. He is credited with taking part in the first jazz recording session in South Africa, a date where he joined American pianist John Mohegan for Jazz in Africa. Since that time, Ibrahim has traveled widely, finally dividing his time between New York City and Capetown. Ekapa Ludumo is a long-awaited reunion of Ibrahim with the Nordeutscher Rundfunk (NDR) Big Band. It is a collection of Ibrahim compositions arranged by Steve Gray and Fritz Pauer.
Ekapa Ludumo was recorded live in Hamburg in June of 2000. Ibrahim introduces each piece and all compositions carry his distinct mark of South Africa and World Music. None of Ibrahim's charm or danger is lost in the orchestral arrangements. Ibrahim pilots from the piano bench, his earthy playing never buried by the band. Highlights are "African Market" and "Duke 88."
