Matthias Mahler

Abdullah Ibrahim: Senzo

by Reid Jagger
March 29, 2009

On the solo piano Senzo, South African-born pianist Abdullah Ibrahim is heard in fine form on 21 compositions, with Duke Ellington's “In a Sentimental Mood" the only standard in the bunch. Though each track bears a different title, Ibrahim allows the pieces to flow together using creative modulations and segues. On the whole, Senzo further solidifies Ibrahim's reputation as one of the jazz world's master melodists and improvisers. Ibrahim moves from the discordant, free-sounding improvisation of “Ocean and the River," ...