Keyboards Abdulla Ibrahim

[Nick Cook]

I was going to post this in the 'Great Saxophone Players' thread, but as he's not, I'll post it here.

I've noticed a lot of his tunes appearing in the ABSRM exam syllabuses (syllabi??).

EDIT: I've just looked it up - syllabuses and syllabi are both correct!!!

He's appearing at Basingstoke at the end of the month. Has anyone heard him play? Would it be worth going along for a listen?

 

[kevgermany]

Used to hear sme of his stuff on the radio in SA. If you like it, go, but he's not for everyone. Mind you I suppose most musicians are like that.

 

[Pete Thomas]

I was going to post this in the 'Great Saxophone Players' thread, but as he's not, I'll post it here.

Maybe should be in the saxophone playing forum then. I don't know if he's great or not!

Perhaps that forum should just be Saxophone Players, not necessarily great.

 

[Nick Cook]

Well, having looked at his web site, it seems he's a piano player!!!

 

[Pete Thomas]

Moved to other instruments!

 

[kevgermany]

He does play sax as well.

 

[kevgermany]

Took a quick look at youtube, quite a bit of his stuff there. Also take a look under his former name, Dollar Brand. Should help you make your mind up.

 

[Pete Thomas]

Took a quick look at youtube, quite a bit of his stuff there.

If it's Dollar brand I would thoroughly recommend him!

 

[kevgermany]

If it's Dollar brand I would thoroughly recommend him!

It is, he changed his name when he converted to Islam. But the music has changed over the years as well. I prefer the earlier stuff.

 

[Pete Thomas]

It is, he changed his name when he converted to Islam. But the music has changed over the years as well. I prefer the earlier stuff.

Of course, I remember now.

 

[Semiquaver]

One of the jazz workshops I play in is currently reheasing 'The Mountain' which is one of his.

Nice tune.

 

[Nick Cook]

One of the jazz workshops I play in is currently reheasing 'The Mountain' which is one of his.

Nice tune.

The Mountain comes up as one of the pieces for ABRSM Jazz grade 4, so I'll definitely be having a listen to/play of that!!

 

[TomMapfumo]

You have to go - excellent stuff! I'm off to see the Portico Quartet tonight, so at least I'll be seeing a saxophone player. ;}

When is Grade 4 appearing on the horizon....? I'm currently learning my Grade 5 Trombone pieces - just can't get away from "Nutty"

Kind regards
Tom 😎

 

[Young Col]

Nick
A track of his was on BBC3 Jazz Record Requests this evening (available on BBC i-player for a week) . The Perfumed Garden Wet With Rain. Very atmospheric and delightful. It was from 1979 though and as Kev says, his stuff has changed. Alyn Shipton, in his book The New History of Jazz, says Abdullah Ibrahim is a great ambassador for jazz as World Music.

Might have been interested in the Basingstoke gig but it's a bit distant from here for an evening, although I do have friends who live there and I can recommend The Fox at North Walsham for its food and beer!
Colin

 

[AlanU]

I have a very good live album by him with Carlos Ward on alto. That's nicely played.
As a pianist he's very Ellington.

 

[Young Col]

Just back from seeing Abdullah Ebrahim and Ekaya at Basingstoke Anvil theatre. What a cracking evening! Front line of three saxes and trombone. A straight two hour set. Soft bluesy numbers like Blues for a Hip King had gospel and New Orleans funeral feeling but some African harmonies and much Ellington style voicing and piano - just beautiful. Up tempo numbers and blues tinged ones had the place jumping. My friend OG would have liked the alto player's doubling on flute. A great evening and well recommended. Thanks for mentioning it all.

A person very like that nice Mr Thomas in the audience - closer to his home than mine. Was it?
Afterwards a friend with us asked if I had learnt anything about sax playing. I replied, yes, that I was not very good.
Colin

 

[kevgermany]

Really glad you enjoyed it, sounds like it was a great night!

 

[Nick Cook]

Glad you enjoyed it Colin. I mentioned it to my teacher last night, and she said it would have been good. If it had been a bit cheaper I would have gone.

 

[TomMapfumo]

3 Saxes and 1 Trombone? The saxes never stood a chance.........:shocked:

Glad it was a great night!
Kind regards
Tom😎

 

[Pete Thomas]

A person very like that nice Mr Thomas in the audience - closer to his home than mine. Was it?

Was he sitting with his wife?