Jazz Articles about Abdullah Ibrahim

Abdullah Ibrahim: A Celebration & Re:Brahim

by AAJ Staff
May 14, 2005

Now entering his eighth decade, Abdullah Ibrahim has long ago established himself as a true master of jazz--whether in New York, London, Cape Town, or beyond.

The pianist has accomplished two very important things in the last fifty years. First, he has brought South African jazz to the world, recruiting new fans to its characteristically warm, reverent vibe--still taking regular risks to tap into outer realms of spiritual energy, but never far from his roots in bop, classical, ...

Abdullah Ibrahim Trio at the Earshot Jazz Festival

by Ryan Burns
February 15, 2005

(One person says) “You see that man over there? He's very talented. He speaks 40 languages!'? (The other replies) “Oh yeah, Well what does he say?'? ~Abdullah Ibrahim (after being asked by an interviewer how many languages he speaks)A man of few words yet full of musical expression, South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim recently paid a rare visit to Seattle, “speaking'? to a standing room only audience at On The Boards. Scheduled to give a question and answer discussion ...

Abdullah Ibrahim: African Magic

by Andrey Henkin
November 8, 2004

Much is made of jazz as the music of African-American experience, one that is sadly pockmarked with racism, prejudice and struggle. These labors give jazz legitimacy and relevance as well as an opportunity for many to say that only jazz' black practitioners are bona fide. The 10th Anniversary of free elections in South Africa is a perfect time to consider the plight of musicians outside of the American experience. The tradition of South African jazz is not ...

South Africa: Two Abdullah Ibrahim Reissues

by AAJ Staff
April 19, 2004

Probably the most important member of South Africa's jazz elite, pianist Abdullah Ibrahim certainly wasted no time forging alliances after his 1962 departure from his homeland. Although he hit it off right away with Duke Ellington, for example, resulting in the 1963 date Duke Ellington Presents the Dollar Brand Trio , he has always made a point of keeping his own nuclei intact and often bereft of outright star power. (Note: Dollar Brand was his name until he converted to ...

Abdullah Ibrahim Trio: Cape Town Revisited

by Jim Santella
April 10, 2004

This hour of sweet music composed by Abdullah Ibrahim includes dedicatory ballads, festive celebrations, and impressions of his homeland. With his “Cape Town to Congo Square” in three movements, he’s documented the bridge between his birthplace and New Orleans. Common threads enable this ambassador of modern jazz to spread the word about this music all over the world. In effect, he’s carrying with him the memory of Duke Ellington’s creations.

As fiery South African trumpeter Feya Faku ...

Abdullah Ibrahim: African Magic

by Jim Santella
March 3, 2003

Germany’s Jazz Across The Border Festival had been exploring the effect world cultures have on jazz for more than a decade. That idea remains a topic near and dear to our hearts. In his suite-like concert of impressions, Abdullah Ibrahim infuses South American samba, European bolero and habanera, Asian folk melodies, South African anthems, and Duke Ellington jazz. His trio sparkles with the knowledge that art can pay homage to memorable history and myriad geography, with politics taking a seat ...

Abdullah Ibrahim: African Magic

by AAJ Staff
February 12, 2003

It's very easy to call attention by playing fast or flashy. Pianist Abdullah Ibrahim does not believe in any of that. When he approaches the keyboard, he brings a sense of balance and poise that make the notes he plays sound clear and natural. That's not to say he lacks the ability to cook up drama and energy; he just does so in an understated way that somehow communicates the feeling all that much more effectively.

While Ibrahim's ...