{"title":"Abdullah Ibrahim","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAbdullah Ibrahim, born as Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town in 1934, is a legendary South African jazz musician known for his exceptional piano and saxophone skills. He earned the nickname \"Dollar\" during his youth due to his regular purchases of jazz LPs from US-American soldiers. In 1968, after converting to Islam, he changed his name to Abdullah Ibrahim but continued performing and recording under the *Dollar Brand* moniker for some time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of Ibrahim's most significant contributions to South African heritage is his composition \"Mannenberg\" from 1974, which has been hailed as a seminal piece and even considered an unofficial national anthem. Recognizing his immense talent and influence on music, Mr. Ibrahim was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2009.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIf you enjoy artists like *Jacky Terrasson*, *Brad Mehldau Trio*, or *Esbjörn Svensson*, then Abdullah Ibrahim's music will surely captivate you with its unique blend of jazz elements and cultural influences.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"african-piano","title":"African Piano","description":"\u003cp\u003eAfrican Piano was a highly influential album, and it has lost none of its power - as can be heard on this CD reissue and new 180 gram vinyl album. Both versions are released for the first time under the name Abdullah Ibrahim instead of the pianist's original 'Dollar Brand' sobriquet. Sometimes a musical message is so urgent that questions of recording quality are almost beside the point. Informally recorded in 1969 in a noisy club - Copenhagen's famous Jazzhus Montmartre - the flavour of this album is 'documentary' rather than luxuriantly hi-fidelity, yet the essence of Abdullah Ibrahim's communication comes through loud and clear. The listener is drawn into the robust rhythms of his solo piano style, as he re-examines the history of jazz from a South African perspective, with echoes of songs of the townships, and vamps that hint of Monk and Duke and much more.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"ecm","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50383291973963,"sku":"371388","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50383292268875,"sku":"371389","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/d7e1e4c2-371d-4e5e-afd0-1105af5d1d5d_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726266871"},{"product_id":"solotude","title":"Solotude","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eSolotude\u003c\/i\u003e is the new solo piano album by the South African piano maestro Abdullah Ibrahim. It was recorded on Ibrahim's birthday in October 2021, at the Hirzinger hall in Riedering where he would traditionally hold his birthday concert. The hall, famed in Germany for its acoustic, lends itself perfectly to the mood of the album, which is at once warm, timeless, and solitary. The music spans timeless classics including Blues for a Hip King and The Wedding, seldom recorded pieces such as Tokai, as well as new themes Once Upon A Midnight, In The Evening, and Signal On A Hill. The enduring purity and honesty of Ibrahim's touch and the emotive simplicity of his writing demonstrates that even in the dark, hope shines through. At 86, and even through a pandemic, the ever-active and imaginative Ibrahim shows no signs of stopping. \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gearbox","offers":[{"title":"CD.","offer_id":50389651489099,"sku":"1139742","price":17.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50389651587403,"sku":"1163694","price":18.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"LP","offer_id":50389651718475,"sku":"1139743","price":24.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0cd5824e-f573-409c-8653-432171dbaa7a_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726367397"},{"product_id":"good-news-from-africa-4","title":"Good News From Africa","description":"\u003cp\u003eReissue of \u003cem\u003eAbdullah Ibrahim's\u003c\/em\u003e stunning 1974 LP 'Good News From Africa' recorded with bassist Johnny Dyani.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003ePianist-composer \u003cstrong\u003eAbdullah Ibrahim\u003c\/strong\u003e (formerly known as \"Dollar Brand\") has long ranked among South Africa's giants alongside Hugh Masekela, Miriam Makeba, and the late Kippie Mokoetsi. A master of improvisation with a distinctive African edge, the exiled Cape Town musician has developed a musical style over the past 30 years that defies categorization.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eRather, it is a fascinating mosaic of diverse traditions including African rural and township rhythms, classical jazz, and gospel. South African folk melodies are enriched with Western harmonies, coalescing into a gracefully fluid and intensely spiritual whole. Best known for his hypnotic and introspective stream-of-consciousness compositions and his innovative interpretations of Duke Ellington, Thelonious Monk, and Billy Strayhorn classics, Ibrahim's music is at once accessible and complex, intriguing and lyrical.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eHe has indefatigably explored and fused classical jazz with the multitude of influences that make up traditional and contemporary South African music.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbdullah Ibrahim\u003c\/strong\u003e: piano, vocal, flute\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eJohnny Dyani\u003c\/strong\u003e: bass, vocals, bells\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Enja","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50391126245707,"sku":"2179112","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/test_70f83908_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726397257"},{"product_id":"soweto","title":"Soweto","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis obscure and long out of print Chiaroscuro LP does not have any recording date listed but was recorded in Europe in the mid-'70s. Pianist Dollar Brand (aka Abdullah Ibrahim) is heard leading two groups comprised mostly of fellow expatriate South Africans -- a quartet with tenor saxophonist Basil Mannenberg and a septet. The three originals (\"Soweto,\" \"African Herbs,\" and \"Sathima\") are very much in Ibrahim's mature style, full of rich melodies, expert use of repetition, and percussive piano. On \"African Herbs,\" he doubles effectively on soprano and electric piano.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chiaroscuro","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50402221392203,"sku":"2047529","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/R-2687227-1401317852-6338_2cc2c674_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726536024"},{"product_id":"3-57","title":"3","description":"\u003cp\u003eLegendary South African composer and pianist Abdullah Ibrahim announces new album \u003ci\u003e3\u003c\/i\u003e out 12th Jan via Gearbox Records. Taken from his summer 2023 sold-out headline date at London's Barbican Centre, the new album \"3\" follows suit and is spread across two performances - the first is recorded without an audience recorded ahead of the concert straight to analogue on a 1\" Scully tape machine, which had previously been used by Elvis at the famous Memphis-based Sun Studios\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe recordings feature a number of special new tracks and moving arrangements influenced by the music of Ibrahim's upbringing (gospel and jive, American jazz and classical music, sacred and secular), and arrangements of tracks by his friends and heroes such as Duke Ellington and John Coltrane, all interwoven by his fluidic and ebullient playing style. The recording also features spellbinding vocal performances from Ibrahim creating a powerful, pin-drop moment with heartbreaking songs about the pain of slavery sung in both an indigenous language and English. The whole thing is accentuated by the lack of percussion which highlights both the more poignant moments as well as the more energetic moments.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Gearbox","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50408971534667,"sku":"2169638","price":42.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"CD","offer_id":50408972714315,"sku":"2169641","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/9034c279-a488-4b77-9a09-5aae0798bee0_f4b65182_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726609151"},{"product_id":"the-journey","title":"The Journey","description":"\u003cp\u003eDeep spiritual middle eastern vibe featuring Abdullah Ibrahim's band at the time plus the cream of US avant-garde jazz musicians; Hamiet Bluiett (Baritone Saxophone, Clarinet),  Don Cherry (Trumpet),  John Betsch \u0026amp; Roy Brooks (Percussion) as well as legendary South African bassist Johnny Dyani. Featuring the track \"Hajj (The Journey)\", a 21 minute tour de force of modal improvisation based around a simple piano riff from Dollar Brand's sixties composition \"Eighty-First Street\". \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Chiaroscuro","offers":[{"title":"Black LP","offer_id":50416889987403,"sku":"2047530","price":14.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/Front_0f786d2e_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726712030"},{"product_id":"dream-time","title":"Dream Time","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis solo concert from the legendary South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim, was recorded in March, 2019 in his new homeland of Bavaria. The resultant album \u003ci\u003eDream Time\u003c\/i\u003e choreographs this subtly stirring recital and acts as a timelessly beautiful self portrait of the artist.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe performance is calm yet exuding a gripping power. In prelude, so tones gently reveal the initial melodic content. Motifs emerge in echo, making way for a complete melodic statement refined through minute, unexpected details. The gathering stream flows directly into a single, liberating chord. A second melody follows suit, at once melancholic, morphing to bright lyricism, also set-tling on an open chord. Yet not an end, but a transition...Abdullah Ibrahim is a master of transition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Enja","offers":[{"title":"Black | LP","offer_id":50424708727115,"sku":"1096123","price":27.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/a02c5652-49d8-46e5-8186-094459eb6969_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726781692"},{"product_id":"african-marketplace","title":"African Marketplace","description":"\u003cp\u003e180 Gram Vinyl. This is one of Abdullah Ibrahim's most colorful band recordings. With a 12-piece group that includes altoist Carlos Ward, trombonist Craig Harris and bassist Cecil McBee along with some lesser-known names, Ibrahim performs eight folklike originals that pay tribute to his life growing up in South Africa. \u003ci\u003eThe Homecoming Song, Anthem for the New Nation\u003c\/i\u003e and especially \u003ci\u003eThe Wedding\u003c\/i\u003e (a beautiful hymn) are particularly memorable.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Music On Vinyl","offers":[{"title":"LP","offer_id":50441406447947,"sku":"1014233","price":19.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/3f99c369-fc53-4c20-8d26-486620a732f2_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1726979306"},{"product_id":"plays-sphere-jazz","title":"Plays Sphere Jazz","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis release presents Dollar Brand's (aka Abdullah Ibrahim) first trio album and his earliest recording as a leader and reissued in its entirety for the first time ever on CD. \u003ci\u003eDollar Brand Plays Sphere\u003c\/i\u003e \u003ci\u003eJazz\u003c\/i\u003e (Gallo Continental ZB8047), is presented here with its original South African cover. Includes 16-page booklet with rare photos, memorabilia, original liner notes and updated notes. As a bonus, Dollar Brand's earlier LP, \u003ci\u003eJazz Epistle - Verse 1\u003c\/i\u003e (Gallo Continental CON T-14), is also included in this exceptional reissue. Released as \u003ci\u003eThe Jazz Epistles\u003c\/i\u003e, it features Dollar Brand's trio augmented to as extet with the addition of three reeds, among them the great Hugh Masekela.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eTracks: Boulevard East \/ Khumbula Jane \/ Sad Times, Bad Times,King Kong \/ Blues For B \/ Misterioso \/ Just You, Just Me \/ Eclipse At Dawn \/ Dollar's Mood \/ Blues For Hughie \/ Uku-Jonga Phambili \/ I Remember Billy \/ Vary-Oo- Vum \/ Carol's Drive \/ Gafsa \/ Scullery Department\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Essential Jazz Classics","offers":[{"title":"CD","offer_id":50530408333643,"sku":"1149656","price":12.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/218c8326-b0ec-4a7c-b58d-921264b460c3_thumbnail_4096.jpg?v=1728078512"},{"product_id":"water-from-an-ancient-well-ir","title":"Water From An Ancient Well","description":"\u003cp\u003eAbdullah Ibrahim’s \u003cem\u003eWater From An Ancient Well\u003c\/em\u003e returns in a reissue on magenta coloured vinyl, bringing one of his classic 1986 albums back into view in a way that feels right at home on the turntable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAcross eight Ibrahim originals, the South African pianist and composer is joined by a seriously strong septet. The line-up includes tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford, alto saxophonist Carlos Ward, baritone saxophonist Charles Davis, and trombonist Dick Griffin, all heard at their most creative and emotional throughout the record.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a beautifully assembled set, full of depth, warmth and character. Tracks including \u003cem\u003eMandela\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eSong for Sathima\u003c\/em\u003e, \u003cem\u003eWater From An Ancient Well\u003c\/em\u003e, and the gorgeous \u003cem\u003eThe Wedding\u003c\/em\u003e stand among Abdullah Ibrahim’s finest compositions, and they still land with real grace and power.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Enja","offers":[{"title":"LP - Magenta","offer_id":57027739681099,"sku":"R2264-0543","price":26.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/files\/0767522922219.jpg?v=1776160938"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0867\/1120\/6219\/collections\/test_c7c34bc3_thumbnail_4096_6341b8b9-6c0b-4501-9983-34fcf95b8227.jpg?v=1726266844","url":"https:\/\/shop.roughtrade.com\/fr\/collections\/abdullah-ibrahim.oembed","provider":"Rough Trade","version":"1.0","type":"link"}