Jason Innocent, on “3”, Abdullah Ibrahim’s latest album

March 18th, 2024

Album reviews are rarely published on Jerry Jazz Musician, but Jason Innocent’s experience with the pianist Abdullah Ibrahim’s new recording captures the essence of this artist’s creative brilliance.

___

…..Abdullah Ibrahim’s latest album, ‘3’, recorded at the London Barbican’s summer jazz series, is a profound statement from an artist who has not only lived through the history of modern jazz but continues to define it. In this digital capture of a live performance, Ibrahim, along with flutist Cleave Guyton and bassist Noah Jackson, presents a narrative that transcends time, place, and genre, solidifying his status as a sage of the piano.

…..The album commences with a thoughtful rendition of Ellington’s “In a Sentimental Mood” and Coltrane’s “Giant Steps,” providing an homage to Ibrahim’s American jazz influences. Ellington’s mentorship and Coltrane’s friendship are evoked in the selection of pieces and the respectful, innovative approach to each arrangement. Guyton and Jackson are not mere accompanists but equal partners in conversation, with Guyton’s flute and Jackson’s double bass serving as eloquent orators in this musical exchange.

…..The centerpiece of ‘3’ is the two 15-minute piano solos, where Ibrahim takes listeners on an auditory journey through his life experiences, beliefs, and emotions. The pace is contemplative, allowing each note to resonate with the weight of its intention. Ibrahim’s mastery is in his restraint; his ability to convey depth with minimalism is profound.

…..The album’s texture is further enriched by including pieces like “Water From an Ancient Well,” which draws on Ibrahim’s gospel roots, and “The Wedding,” imbued with European sensibilities. In “Dreamtime,” a sparse interplay between Ibrahim’s left and right hands, the pianist achieves a captivating sense of introspective dialogue.

…..Ibrahim concludes the concert with a vocal piece themed on liberation from bondage, a poignant reminder of his South African heritage and the enduring quest for freedom that underpins much of his work. The unaccompanied vocal performance is as raw as it is captivating, a fitting end to a live session that feels more like a spiritual gathering than a concert.

…..The bonus set, recorded on reel-to-reel before the live performance, offers a contrasting sonic experience with warmer tones and melodic clarity. Here, Ibrahim revisits six compositions, including the less angular, more introspective version of “Krotoa” and the encore piece “Mindif,” which seamlessly weaves Bach into the blues.

…..In ‘3’, Abdullah Ibrahim’s reverence for life and music is palpable. The album is a testament to his undiminished sense of purpose and his ability to draw from the well of his vast experience to produce music that is as fresh as it is timeless. The extended piano solos stand out as a definitive highlight, capturing the essence of a musician who continues to evolve, educate, and inspire. This is not just an album; it is a historical document, a lesson in the art of jazz, and a spiritual manifesto from one of its greatest living exponents.

___

Jason Innocent is a Brooklyn based writer

Listen to “Water From an Ancient Well,” from Abdullah Ibrahim’s album ‘3′ [Gearbox Records]