Abdullah Ibrahim is South Africa's most distinguished jazz pianist and is respected throughout the world as a master musician. He turned 79 in October 2013 and 'Mukashi', which in Japanese translates as "once upon a time", is a spellbinding reflection of his life in solo, duo and quartet settings. Born into the cultural melting pot of Cape Town, Ibrahim (or "Dollar" Brand, as he became known) was exposed to American jazz, Christian hymns, Classical music and traditional African songs from an early age. In 1959 he recorded the first jazz album to feature an all South African line up (including Hugh Masekela) but then, with Apartheid in force, had to flee to Europe and ultimately to the U.S.A.. He recorded under the patronage of Duke Ellington, interacted in New York with such progressive musicians as Ornette Coleman and John Coltrane, and went onto tour with his own groups including the popular Ekaya. 'Mukashi' sees Ibrahim joined by his companion of many years, reeds player Cleave Guyton, who combines sensitively with the pianist. However, Ibrahim also sought new textures for the recording, specifically fragile layers of sound. His addition of two master cellists with great expertise in all genres, Eugen Bazijan and Scott Roller, proves to be a master stroke as they fit seamlessly into this musical world and complement the other instrumentation wonderfully. Personnel: Abdullah Ibrahim (piano, flute, vocals), Cleave Guyton (saxophone, flute, clarinet), Eugen Bazijan, Scott Roller (cello) Review (5 stars) There are plenty of new tunes, each imbued with a sense of calm, with titles such as 'Serenity' displaying plenty of bluesy twists and reflective musings. --BBC Music Magazine, (Neil McKims), January 2014 (4 stars) Highlights of the album, and there are quite a few moments of sheer grandeur, include the 'Krotoa' suite, and 'Mississippi', which has a movingly raw clarinet solo from Guyton against animated Ibrahim accompaniment. 'Peace'...is beautiful. --Marlbank, (Stephen Graham), October 2013 Ibrahim's playing is marvellously stripped down - there is not an extraneous note as he sounds as if he is musing at the piano, lost in thought and memory and letting it flow through to his fingers. Guyton, who has been a musical companion for many years now, is a particularly sensitive player with whom to interact. --The Jazz Breakfast, (Peter Bacaon), December 14, 2013 There is a pared back, zen-like quality to this gentle chamber jazz, as if Ibrahim is re-evaluating his instrument. Longtime collaborator Cleave Guyton on reeds and cellists Eugen Bazijan and Scott Roller provide sensitive accompaniment. --The Irish Times, (Cormac Larkin), January 17, 2014 Ibrahim's playing is marvellously stripped down - there is not an extraneous note as he sounds as if he is musing at the piano, lost in thought and memory and letting it flow through to his fingers. Guyton, who has been a musical companion for many years now, is a particularly sensitive player with whom to interact. --The Jazz Breakfast, (Peter Bacaon), December 14, 2013
