On Heels of New Album 3 (Gearbox Records), Ibrahim Interviewed on NPR World Cafe
Legendary South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim has confirmed an 8-date US tour.
Ibrahim was interviewed on NPR World Café back in June, on the heels of his new album titled 3 (Gearbox Records).
In the far-ranging conversation, which spanned the effect of South Africa’s apartheid on Ibrahim’s music; his spiritual practices; how he arranged his compositions for the album; his relationship with Duke Ellington; and beyond. World Café host Stephen Kallao called Ibrahim “one of jazz’s great ambassadors… one of a kind,” saying, “This was wonderful. This fills my heart.”
Here’s what press is saying about 3:
“One of the most lyrical of contemporary jazzmen… the atmosphere is more like a classical concert than a jazz event; throughout, the house keeps incredibly still, like it is hanging on every note and doesn’t want to miss a single one of them.”
–Will Friedwald, Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2024
“****… Featuring two sets, one without a crowd, from London’s Barbican Centre late last year, the South African pianist’s light touch oscillates between sorry and joy… A standout pair of hymnal 15-minute piano solos show Ibrahim smuggling tumbles of notes into something seemingly meditative and slow, the lack of drums only adding to their gravitas.”
–Andy Cowan, MOJO, February, 2024
“**** (out of 5)… A master.”
–Ammar Kalia, DownBeat, February, 2024
“The late-life performances of pianist Abdullah Ibrahim are a singular blend of career retrospective, meditation and in-the-moment jazz. Key influences are noted, South African roots are referenced, and the enduring power of the human spirit made clear. Experienced live, the unhurried pace of the music and his firm pianist’s touch conjure a devotional air.”
–Mike Hobart, Financial Times (UK), January 19, 2024
“Captivating compositions.”
–Matt Micucci, Jazziz, January 3, 2024
“Grade: A… It finds Ibrahim in exquisite form… creative daring… beautiful playing that’s fortified by subtle intensity… 3 is another exceptional late work from a jazz elder statesman.”
–Joseph Neff, The Vinyl District, January 9, 2024
“A very rewarding listen.”
–Alyn Shipton, Jazzwise (UK), February, 2024
“Although we are just in January, Ibrahim’s 3 will surely be one of this year’s most revered recordings… It’s a pensive, meditative, spiritual kind of listening, that, like the concert, demands concentrated listening.”
–Jim Hynes, Making a Scene, January 25, 2024
Abdullah Ibrahim Tour Dates
8 Nov 2024 – Caramoor Center for Music and the Arts – Katonah, NY
9 Nov 2024 – Manchester Craftmen’s Guild – Pittsburgh, PA
10 Nov 2024 – Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts – Philadelphia, PA
12 Nov 2024 – Shubert Theatre – New Haven, CT
13 Nov 2024 – The Barns At Wolf Trap – Vienna, VA
15 Nov 2024 – 92nd St Y – New York, NY
16 Nov 2024 – Berklee Performance Center – Boston, MA
17 Nov 2024 – Empire State Plaza Performing Arts Center, The Egg – Albany, NY
The new album comes on the heels of the Octogenarian’s birthday concerts at Hirzinger Hall, which took place on October 14 and 15. The concerts, which take place in the East of Germany, are by now a tradition. The grand hall is famous for its incredible acoustics, and a solo piano performance by the NEA jazz master one of its annual highlights. It was also the location in which his critically acclaimed album Solotude was recorded during in lockdown.
