Ibrahim, Abdullah - The Journey CD
SKU
21-CRD1002
“This reissue of a magical 1977 session marks a high point in the recording career of Abdullah Ibraham, perhaps the greatest musician to come out of Africa.
It starts with the band, one of the most formidable ever assembled. With the great Johnny Dyani in the bass chair, we can expect something special--and we aren't disappointed. Not only was Dyani a truly original player, he had the uncanny ability to define an entire recording session. Here, his extended techniques (both pizzicato and arco) provide fantastic coloration and rhythmic drive, especially to "Hajj (The Journey)," the defining piece at over 21 minutes. A young Carlos Ward on alto also impresses mightily. Talib Rhynie, a name not known to me, contributes mesmerizing oboe stylings on "Hajj," sounding very oriental. Don Cherry on pocket trumpet fits into these proceedings perfectly naturally, and his solo on "Hajj" is one his finest on record--very sinuous yet entirely focused. Meanwhile, an impossibly deep groove, courtesy of Claude Jones (conga), John Betsch (percussion), and Roy Brooks (drums) pushes the music forward even as it provides a formidable rhythmic ground. Hamiet Bluiett on bari adds weight and depth, standing out esp. on "Jabulani (Joy)" with some of his patented free blowing.
As a great admirer of Duke Ellington, Ibrahim has an uncanny ability to evoke the master but still provide his own unique sound signature transposed into an indiginous African key, here revealed in all its rawness and richness. A powerful presence pervades this music, something akin to the vastness and variety of Africa itself--mesmeric, Chthonic, incantatory--a product of the compositional genius of Ibrahim but also of his ability as leader to assemble and unleash such formidable musical puissance that veritably bursts from this disc.” - Jan P. Dennis
- LabelDowntown
- UPC091454110025