Abdullah Ibrahim - The Balance (2019) [Official Digital Download 24/96]

There are few musicians in jazz who can make you feel that essentially all is right in the world. Getting the balance just right has always been Ibrahim’s great strength, drawing from a source but keeping it fresh. A modern master… his graceful playing leans on equal measures of force and restraint, of dense clusters and open space. Mr. Ibrahim’s music is dotted by satisfying, sometimes stunning, passages of repose.

At the age of 84, Abdullah Ibrahim (AKA Dollar Brand) is set to release his first new album in four years. Entitled 'The Balance', this project features his long-time septet Ekaya, a line-up that he's been recording with since 1983. In this case, the album was recorded over the course of one day at London's RAK Studios last November. The lush horn lines, lilting melodies, and uplifting chord progressions are characteristic of Abdullah's own particular brand of Township Jazz. This is contrasted with various solo piano improvisations, which epitomise the nostalgic yet hopeful nature of Abdullah's musical spirit. Hence, The Balance.

In his own words, "We push ourselves out of our comfort zones. So that we can present to the listener our striving for excellence. So that we can engage with our listeners without any barriers of our ego. It's not jazz. For us, it's a process of transcending barriers."

Tracklist:

01. Dreamtime (4:06)
02. Nisa (6:37)
03. Jabula (3:43)
04. Tuang Guru (5:11)
05. Tonegawa (3:33)
06. Song for Sathima (4:11)
07. ZB2 (2:04)
08. Skippy (5:35)
09. Devotion (2:56)
10. The Balance (3:04)



All thanks go to the original releaser