Abdullah Ibrahim Yarona CD

Recorded live at Sweet Basil, New York, New York on January 13 & 14, 1995. Includes liner notes by Tsakew Ibrahim.

This 1995 recording captures Abdullah Ibrahim's trio Ekaya live at New York's Sweet Basil jazz club. A master of synthesis, Ibrahim's has an aesthetic that encompasses the traditional melodies of his native South Africa, Eastern modalities, and classical motifs, all fused seamlessly under the rubric of modern jazz. YARONA puts all of Ibrahim's colors on display, with exceptional contributions from bassist Marcus McLaurine and drummer George Johnson.

Ibrahim's technical skills as a pianist are superior, and he veers between delicate impressionism and dense clusters of sound. Most impressive, however, is the artist's stature as a composer. The all-original set list includes his evocative "African River," the uplifting "Mannenberg" (an enduring mega-hit in South Africa), the airy, fractured "Stardance," and "Duke 88" (a tribute to Duke Ellington, who took Ibrahim under his wing at the start of his career). The range of material and the sensitivity of the musicianship here are truly remarkable. A unique and multi-dimensional jazz outing, YARONA is highly recommended.

Abdullah Ibrahim Trio: Abdullah Ibrahim (piano); Marcus McLaurine (bass); George Johnson (drums).Option (3-4/96, p.108) - "...steeped in African folk rhythms as well as the complex blues rhythms of Duke Ellington and Fats Waller...full of quiet dignity that no other pianist quite captures..."