a
discography compiled by Lars Rasmussen, 1998
Mr. Rasmussen
has not only produced an important work but imbued it with his own devotion
and integrity. What comes through this wonderful compendium of resources
is the fruit of his ambitious vision and of his willingness to not only
initiate such a big project but also his work to see it through to this
comprehensive and exceptionally accurate first iteration.
It is a discography
equal to the task of not only providing detailed information, but also
it sings its own praise song and this is made clear by the taut presentation,
the focus on accuracy, the wonderful and rare photographs included, and
the respectfulness and sobriety of the discographer's approach. Lars Rasmussen's
obvious love for the music of Abdullah Ibrahim is in the details...and
those details shine with the discographer's heartfelt feel for the music
and the musician.
All in all: a splendid book; essential for all serious devotees of the artistry and music of Abdullah Ibrahim, and equally essential for anybody who has a serious or scholarly interest in the creative music of South Africa, and the work-in-progress of one of the music's signal creators.
For
more information about the purchase of this book from Booktraders in Denmark:
[Booktraders web].
SUMMARY of CONTENTS
(1)
A Short Chronology
No
interpretation necessary, the chronology sketches the trajectory of both
Abdullah's artistry and the large circle he travelled to eventually return
to a free South Africa. Also noted are the high points of acclaim which
certify his international stature. There are numerous events of interest.
(I was quite surprised to learn here that Abdullah had played piano duos
with the other artist most tuned into the African tradition at the center
of American jazz, Randy Weston.)
(2)
Recordings In Chronological Order
This is the
main course. It accomplishes two needed objectives as well as being the
compendium of the entirety of the artist's recording career, to date.
First, the discographer has straightened out longstanding errors in track
listings on a number of recordings. Because the pianist constructs long
medleys and also will use short distinct themes as intros and transitions,
there have occurred omissions on certain track listings as well as the
normal errors made by record labels. Second, are the numerous rarities
and unreleased recordings noted. The discography sorts out the makeup
on various compilations and anthologies; of note here are the first time
CD reissues of recordings made in South Africa on Sun Records.
(3)
Various Contributions
Itemizes
various recordings collected on anthologies of different artists.
(4)
Abdullah Ibrahim Compilations
Itemizes
and sorts out the tracks collected on compilations.
(5)
List of Compositions
An
extremely valuable listing of recorded and unrecorded compositions which
is presumed to be comprehensive. It references each composition back to
the chronological discography and demonstrates how older compositions
have been sustained and renewed over the four decade, and counting, recording
career.
(6)
List of Musicians
This
covers all musicians who have been recorded in duos or ensembles. It's
fascinating to note which South Arican musicians figure into the dates
made after Abdullah returned after his exile (1990). Also, it is interesting
to consider, out of a vast pool of American jazz musicians, who actually
answered the call home to participate in the Ekaya concept.
(7)
Notes On the Bands
Here
the discographer has parsed the recording history into the particulars
of band formation. This is more than convenient, because of the organic
way composing developments were realized in large group out of which smaller
permutations were effectuated.
(8)
Abdullah Ibrahim's Instruments
A
brief overview of his predilections for certain pianos and an itemization
of the reeds and some of the percussion instruments he owns.
(9)
Films and Videos
Another
brief overview, centered by the wonderful documentary by Chris Austin,
"A Brother With Perfect Timing"
(10)
Compositions recorded By Other Artists
Influence
is weighed here, not only among jazz players but also among various rock
oriented jam bands and several acoustic guitar soloists. Several curiosities
are here.
(11)
Tributes By Other Artists
Here's
a list of compositions written by other artists which, by virtue
of their being a tribute, demonstrate the fragrance of influence born
by the flowering of Abdullah Ibrahim's artistry over decades.
(12)
Some Notes About Words and Titles
This extremely
valuable section holds back the veil so that some of the background to
the African and Islamic names and terms used in titles of compositions
are revealed. Again, this roots some of the programmatic aspects of the
music to actual named events and locations and persons. At the same time,
it becomes apparent from this listing that at the core of Abdullah's music
is the praise song through which elder is storied and carried into the
future on wings of song and sound.
(13)
Bibliography
A
fascinating listing of articles, papers, and monographs. Although it does
not include the tens of listings of web-based materials, and, due to rapidly
growing recognition of A.I.'s artistry among scholars and journalists,
is dated already, there is much food here to sustain one's interest. A
listing of special interest to those who are studying the music and the
musician.
(14)
Recordings In Alphabetical Order
Useful
as a simple directory of album titles. (Provided on this site is a further
parsing of this chronology limited to readily available recordings in
the US.)
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