Piano legend turns 90
UncategorizedMany happy returns to Abdullah Ibrahim, South Africa’s wizard of Cape jazz improvisation.
A refugee from apartheid, he has lived most of his adult life in New York, performing under the stage name Dollar Brand. He took an Islamic name in 1968 and made a pilgrimage to Mecca.
One of the hidden greats.
An extraordinary musician. A real master. Many happy returns!
Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Abdullah Ibrahim! I had the honor of working with him and the joy of conducting his African Suite with the Orchestre National de Lyon in 2001.
This is a suite of ten pieces of his for jazz trio with a string orchestra accompaniment. It should have been performed more often, but I guess performances are entirely dependent on Ibrahim himself playing. Maybe other jazz pianists could soon take this music up too? …
There’s a CD and YouTube playlist led by the original arranger Daniel Schnyder:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL845CFA9C35C3BCDA&si=je1F7rWnx7f97B0G
Thank you for providing the link to this lovely, absorbing, and intoxicating piece!
He is so hidden, so how can he be great? True talent (or lack of it) attracts attention.
You obviously know nothing about Jazz. I first saw him back in the 80s at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, wonderful musician.
Hi Simon, Abdullah Ibrahim is a national icon in South Africa, loved, honored and revered as the father of Cape Jazz. He has been welcomed on so many stages, both nationally and internationally. Being a classical pianist myself, Abdullah Ibrahim is one of my heroes and I include his music in my programmes as often as possible. Of course, the beautiful “The Wedding” is a particular favourite.
Please comment on topics that you are familiar with. What you say, says a lot about you. You come across as not familiar with his music or the genre he is a maestro of. The world does not revolve around you. It is diverse and you’re a negligible part thereof.
Narcissism overboard. Step back and be humble.
Yes, an original voice over many years.
I saw his band Ekaya a few times, and was always blown away.
Bless Abdullah Ibrahim for the musician and the human being that he is, enriching the tapestry of life with his golden threads of musical joy and mysticism. Happy birthday, beloved Meastro!
I have followed your wonderful career since I was 15 years old and now I am 76. Your sound is unique and has enriched my life.
Happy birthday and respect. I thank him for his influence on me in the early 70s as I began ti learn jazz piano.