Still known as Dollar Brand at the time of this recording, Abdullah Ibrahim had his first encounter with a large ensemble on African Space Program, and the results are quite successful. Despite a muddy sound quality, this is music built on infectious themes and played with verve by a fine cast of instrumentalists. The first part of "Tintiyana," entirely written, is redolent of Ellington and Mingus, all churning low tones and percussion. When the second portion begins, the mood turns celebratory with a striding, gospel-imbued theme supporting heroic solos from all involved. Several of the musicians on hand were generally involved with the avant-garde end of the jazz spectrum at the time, and their playing is full of bite and a risk-taking nature that greatly enlivens the proceedings. The companion piece, Jabulani-Easter Joy," is similarly structured, though here the theme bears a striking, if accidental, resemblance to the central melody of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" (!). The soloing is perhaps even more rambunctious than on "Tintiyana," and brings the album to a quite rousing conclusion. Among all the fine work, special mention should be made of the rhythm team of Cecil McBee and Roy Brooks who, along with the leader's relentless and driving accompaniment, pace the ensemble beautifully and add their own superb solo statements.
1. Tintiyana, Part One 2. Tintiyana, Part Two 3. Jabulani - Easter Joy
Wow! Been looking for this one! I was lucky enough to see Ibrahim with his band in a 1930's ballroom in a hotel in Newark, NJ, around 1985. Ibrahim and his band must have felt something special in that room, because he channeled Duke Ellington and his orchestra for a couple of hours for the lucky few of us. Certainly an artist deserving wider recognition.
Hi Could you Please please Please repost this link? Unless you know of somewher else this is available but as far as I know its not even around here in south africa! alot of this brilliant man's music share the same fate unfortunately.
6 Comments:
Still known as Dollar Brand at the time of this recording, Abdullah Ibrahim had his first encounter with a large ensemble on African Space Program, and the results are quite successful. Despite a muddy sound quality, this is music built on infectious themes and played with verve by a fine cast of instrumentalists. The first part of "Tintiyana," entirely written, is redolent of Ellington and Mingus, all churning low tones and percussion. When the second portion begins, the mood turns celebratory with a striding, gospel-imbued theme supporting heroic solos from all involved. Several of the musicians on hand were generally involved with the avant-garde end of the jazz spectrum at the time, and their playing is full of bite and a risk-taking nature that greatly enlivens the proceedings. The companion piece, Jabulani-Easter Joy," is similarly structured, though here the theme bears a striking, if accidental, resemblance to the central melody of "Jesus Christ, Superstar" (!). The soloing is perhaps even more rambunctious than on "Tintiyana," and brings the album to a quite rousing conclusion. Among all the fine work, special mention should be made of the rhythm team of Cecil McBee and Roy Brooks who, along with the leader's relentless and driving accompaniment, pace the ensemble beautifully and add their own superb solo statements.
1. Tintiyana, Part One
2. Tintiyana, Part Two
3. Jabulani - Easter Joy
Wow! Been looking for this one! I was lucky enough to see Ibrahim with his band in a 1930's ballroom in a hotel in Newark, NJ, around 1985. Ibrahim and his band must have felt something special in that room, because he channeled Duke Ellington and his orchestra for a couple of hours for the lucky few of us. Certainly an artist deserving wider recognition.
Thanks again!
thanx for sharing this one, unknown to me!
Thank you I like this record nice work!
thanks! :)
Hi Could you Please please Please repost this link? Unless you know of somewher else this is available but as far as I know its not even around here in south africa! alot of this brilliant man's music share the same fate unfortunately.
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