to start

you

Dollar Brand at
Montreux
(Enja <> 7.18.1980)

The first (of two) dates recorded live at Montreux; this is loose-limbed and freewheeling and much too short. Evidently, the quintet was just getting a full head of steam going when the set ends. Nonetheless, a fine, celebratory set is captured here.

[Enja -Ger- 3079]

Piano Solo
(taken from Matsidiso &
South African Sunshine)
(Plane <> 12.12.1980)

Among the pianist (and singer's!) very finest dates: the music is an emotionally affecting and deeply personal song-suite about the liberation of Africa. Essential live solos recorded at Felli Farm.

[Plane -Ger- 88778]

African Dawn
(Enja <> 6.7.1982)

18 months after the heart rending Felli Farm dates, sterling jewels: concise extractions of seminal themes; resonant, ecstatic. This record serves notice of the inevitability of liberation. Again, it's essential.

[Enja -Ger- 4030]

Zimbabwe
(Enja <>5.29.1983)

Thundering improvs and a few offsets of quietude, featuring reed player Carlos Ward and Ibrahim, grounded by an ebullient, 'black belt' rhythm section. One of the greatest quartet dates creative music has produced.

[Enja -Ger- 4056]

South Africa
(Enja <>7.20.1983)

A "long, hot summer's evening" adds vocalist Johnny Classens to the quartet for several praisesongs among a set of inspired music. Highlights also include a rocking "Black and Brown Cherries" and the only full recording of "Elsie's River".

[Enja -Ger- 5007]

Mindif
(Enja <>3.7,8.1988)

At times atmospheric, at other times exultatory music for the film by Claire Denis, "Chocolat". Another fine formation of Ekaya hosts a number of new compositions.

[Enja -Ger- 5073]

African River
(Enja <>6.1.1989)

Sunny and rocking ducal gems and noble joy songs swung with great verve by a completely new version of Ekaya. The sweet perfume of future freedom is in the atmosphere of this inviting set.

[Enja -Ger- 6018]

No Fear, No Die
(Enja <>7.18.1990)

A year later Ekaya is back at Rudy Van Gelder's to record the music for Claire Denis's film, a dark urban romance. Again the ensemble travels from reflection into tension and out again through catharsis, echoing the drama of the movie.

[Enja -Ger- 6018]

Mantra Mode
(Enja-Tiptoe <>1.9.1991)

Home. Reunited with Basil Coetzee, Robbie Jansen, and Monty Weber, with whom Ibrahim recorded his previous ZA session, 14 years before this wonderful date. Rashid Vally is once again the producer. It's the full on Capetown swing unleashed. . .never to be leashed up again.

[Enja -Ger- 888810]

Desert Flowers
(Enja <>12.18.1991)

For his first issued solo piano date in 9 years, the pianist is in a mood to reprise a few favored themes, unfold several elegiac tone poems, and centers the hopes of growth and further resilience in the aftermath of the first breath of freedom.

[Enja -Ger- 7867]

Knysna Blue
(Enja-Tiptoe <>9-10.1993)

At once one of the most personal moments, then released into pure dancing; the composer is a one man band stretching out in the studio to refresh our collective memories. The title track is about as elementally direct a roll call of loss as anybody, let alone A.I., has recorded. Yet, finally this essential date is faced resolutely toward the future.

[Enja -Ger- 888816]

Yarona
(Enja-Tiptoe <>1.13,14.1995)

A chance to hear trio versions of compositions recorded in band and solo settings, and also the first record for 'The African Trio'. "Tintinyana" is a highlight. The well-known "African Marketplace" gets a disciplined workout. (Equally tantalizing moments remain unreleased; a half dozen sets were recorded.) Wrapped in restraint, repeat listenings will allow this set to bloom.

[Enja -Ger- 888820]

Cape Town Flowers
(Enja-Tiptoe <>8.15.1996)

George Gray joins the pianist and Marcus McLaurine for what is possibly the finest trio gem of them all. Not only is their a beautifully sequenced variety here, but a second to none essay on "Joan - Cape Town Flower", visitations with "The Call" and "The Stride", a rare encounter with "Maraba Blue" and several debuts, which include the beautiful pastoral hymn, "Song for Aggrey" bring delight.

[Enja -Ger- 888826]

Made In South Africa
Township One More Time
(The Sun <> 1.96&98)

"Listen to Abdullah as he presents his new band of older and younger Cape Town musicians. South Africa may hold the world's largest music potential, and after so many years of suppression the time has come for this potential to be recognized. This CD gives you a taste." (Lars Rasmussen, from the liner notes) [review]

[The Sun-ZA- EMCJ]

African Suite
(Enja-Tiptoe <> 11.1997)

An important date melding the African Trio with a mobile ensemble of strings arranged by the Swiss composer and conductor Daniel Schnyder. Stunning and beautiful and richly hued. [review]

[Enja -Ger- 888832]

Cape Town Revisited
(Enja-Tiptoe <> 12.1997)

The African Trio captured live with special guest Feya Faku on trumpet. Includes the "Cape Town to Congo Square Suite". A very fine and mellow date with lots of piano.[review]

[Enja -Ger- 888838]

African Symphony
(Enja<> 1.1998)

"African Suite" in its most expansive iteration: for full European Orchestra & African Trio. Arrangements by daniel Schnyder; Barbara Yahr conducts the Munich Radio Symphony.

[Enja -Ger- 7579410]

Ekapa Lodumo
(Enja-Tiptoe<> 6.2000)

The artist's first issue with a full big band in 29 years. The NDR Big Band is up to the task on a concert recording full of passionate solos and vigorous ensemble playing. [review]

[Enja -Ger- 888840]

Mantra Modes Home

PART I. 1960-1980 >>

PART III. COMPILATIONS >>

THIS IS PART II.