Abdullah Ibrahim - The Balance

People don't like Abdullah Ibrahim, they adore him, bestowing on him the devotion normally reserved for Nina Simone. When he plays, melodies tumble out effortlessly, as he slides from theme to theme like a laid-back South African reincarnation of Thelonious Monk. - THE GUARDIANAbdullah Ibrahim (who has also recorded as Dollar Brand) is one of South Africa's most famous musicians. His music is often referred to as representing freedom. His major anti-apartheid anthem Mannenberg (released as Capetown Fringe in the US) thas come to be regarded as an unofficial national anthem in South Africa. He even performed at Nelson Mandela's inauguration, where Mandela referred to him as our Mozart. He's played with everyone from Duke Ellington to Max Roach, John Coltrane to Ornette Coleman, and is the father of underground rapper Jean Grae.Encompassing Township-Jazz, solo piano, Highlife and plentiful modern jazz styles, this brand new studio album (recorded with his band Ekaya at RAK Studios in London,) is a major return for a genuine living Jazz legend.On April 15th 2019 Abdullah will be received into the NEA Jazz Masters fellowship, the highest honour the Unted States bestows upon jazz musicians.There are few musicians in jazz that can make you feel that all is right in the world like Ibrahim THE TIMESWordless expressions of freedom and defiance THE GUARDIANUPDATE: No.1 in Germany JPC chartsNo.3 in US Billboard Jazz charts No.4 in UK official Jazz charts.