A-List: Abdullah Ibrahim
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ONE is turning to its community of artists, friends, members and staff for their top picks on creative works that have enhanced their knowledge and understanding of the richness of African culture and arts. Today we have a recommendation from Dave Matthews.
The first time I heard Abdullah Ibrahim I was in my late teens or early twenties. It stopped my heart. The nearest thing I heard to it was on some of Keith Jarrett’s solo work and upon hearing Ibrahim I was sure that Jarrett had studied him extensively. The first recording I heard was “African piano” and Ibrahim was aka “dollar brand”. You can hear the crowd loudly talking but it remains one of my favorite albums.
He has many recordings now. Two more that I have purchased again and again so I might pass them on are “Water From an Ancient Well” and “African Dawn”.
Learn more about Abdullah Ibrahim here.
-Dave Matthews
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September 18, 2009 at 7:57 pm
Thanks for this Dave! This music is great!
September 18, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I’d never even heard of Abdullah Ibrahim—thanks so much for the recommendation.
September 18, 2009 at 8:14 pm
Oh, hey, he’s on the Amandala! soundtrack. I thought that piano sounded familiar.
September 18, 2009 at 8:52 pm
African music is everywhere!!!! i lvoe it, thanks for the recomendation, could you guys make this a section of your website? very interesting.
September 18, 2009 at 9:08 pm
Sweet. I like “Blue Monk” on the African Dawn album.
September 18, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Just bought ‘Water from an Ancient Well’ on iTunes. Beautiful song. Thanks for the great rec!
September 18, 2009 at 9:58 pm
I used to listen to Abdullah Ibrahim when my roommate Byron would DJ on WTJU. We’d wear out the station’s vinyl of “Live At Sweet Basil” with Carlos Ward. And I remember when around that time (l984?) Ibrahiim and Ward played Old Cabell Hall. Encored “Soweto” to a standing ovation. I think Dave’s comparison to Jarett is apt. I wish Live At Sweet Basil was still in print but much of this great player’s music is still available and its nice to see him get some love here.
September 18, 2009 at 10:36 pm
Add me to the list of converts–I’d never heard of him, and he’s fantastic! More recommendations, please and thank you!
September 19, 2009 at 10:53 am
Abdullah Ibrahim is one of my absolute favorites. Thanks so much for highlighting him!!! I, too, cut my teeth on Jazz in Charlottesville through Miller’s and WTJU.
September 19, 2009 at 2:39 pm
Yes indeed, beautiful music. I was turned on to Ibrahim a few years ago and fell in love.
Thanks for sharing.
September 19, 2009 at 2:51 pm
And Amandala was AMAZING for those of you who have not seen it…please do.
Love ya Dave!
September 19, 2009 at 3:07 pm
Speaking of African music, that I love the most, check this http://www.orchestradipiazzavittorio.it it’s not properly african, crossbred (hope it’s the right word in english…), but you’ll like it!
September 19, 2009 at 4:17 pm
Also, everyone should check out Toumani Diabate. His music breaks my heart with beauty.
September 19, 2009 at 4:18 pm
Specifically, Toumani Diabate’s Symmetric Orchestra.
September 19, 2009 at 4:19 pm
very nice, much appreciated for the eye opening music dave!
September 19, 2009 at 5:26 pm
I heard his music on Amandala! soundtrack. I have been meaning to purchase his stuff. Thanks for the reminder and suggestion on what to especially look for.
September 20, 2009 at 7:06 pm
Thanks you, always interesting to see the artists who artists listen to…
September 21, 2009 at 4:24 pm
Beautiful music! It really is heart-stopping. P.S. Great to see your Camden show the last 2 nights, last night was particularly energetic, great to see Boyd smilin, and love Jeff Crawfords sax. I even blew you a kiss in front of the bus on the way out. Thanks for your awesome music for so many years!