January 4, 2008: Abdullah’s Brand of Music
Pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim, or, as he was known before converting to Islam, Dollar Brand, is perhaps the most innovative and well-known African jazz artist. While in exile from his native South Africa during the 60s, Duke Ellington heard Ibrahim’s trio and he was soon collaborating with a host of American and European jazz artists and releasing a stream of profound and swinging albums. We’ll listen to a selection of his solo work and his collaborations with musicians ranging from Elvin Jones to his recent recording featuring jazz trio and string orchestra.