Search - Abdullah Ibrahim :: African Sun

Probably the album to get

S. Hawkins | New York, NY | 07/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Without exaggeration, I think African Sun should be listed as one of the essential jazz CDs collectors must own. I know many people prefer Ibrahim's more avant-garde period (roughly 1965-1970) while others prefer his recent, more contemplative explorations. Personally, I feel his recordings he made in South Africa in the 1970s are the best.



Also on this album are saxophonists Kippie Moeketsi, Basil Coetzee, and Barney Rachabane, along with bassist Sipho Gumede. All of the musicians already were or became some of the greatest figures in South African jazz. Of particular note are Basil Coetzee's solo on Nobody KNows the Trouble I've Seen for a gospel-tinged romp, or the hauntingly powerful solo by Kippie Moeketsi on Memories of You (possibly one of the most powerful pieces of recorded music EVER).



Ibrahim has moments of virtuosic shining, but often simply hangs out in the background, guiding these incredible ensembles (it's a collection of works over years) along some incredible music. You really can't do without this album."