Abdullah Ibrahim: African Magic

Ibrahim’s swinging, percussive style gets down to the core of the matter. Spare in density, his compositions rely on essential impressions to belie meaning. He feels no need to supply more notes than necessary. Seamless, with each composition merging into the next, the pianist and his rhythm mates draw a consistent line of soul-stirring jazz. His original “Eleventh Hour” offers a quiet embrace in which to quell one’s fears. “Blue Bolero,” whose threads interweave and unify the concert, moves solemnly through a desolate landscape, where faces are long and eyes stare blankly.

“Moten Swing” introduces a quirky homage to John Coltrane, where the unexpected is expected. Other originals honor Ibrahim’s countrymen and their varied cultural differences. Much of the session takes on an emotional Gospel appeal. Recommended, African Magic does wonders for the listener’s heart and soul.