Name: African Piano
Brand: Abdullah Ibrahim

Bonus disc

Bonus disc: No

Catalogue number

3743552

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Colour

Colour details

Discogs ID

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Download code

Download code: No

Rough Trade Exclusive

Rough Trade Exclusive: No

Extended format

Extended format: No

Format detail

Format Music GB

Limited edition

Release date

2014-01-27

Signed copies

Signed copies: No

Supplier GB

Proper

Tax rate GB

Standard:20

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Total Cap

1 / CD / Extended format: No / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

3743555

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1 / Extended format: No / LP / Rough Trade Exclusive: No / Signed copies: No

Artist

Abdullah Ibrahim

Genre GB

Jazz

Label GB

Abdullah Ibrahim, born as Adolph Johannes Brand in Cape Town in 1934, is a legendary South African jazz musician known for his exceptional piano and saxophone skills. He earned the nickname "Dollar" during his youth due to his regular purchases of jazz LPs from US-American soldiers. In 1968, after converting to Islam, he changed his name to Abdullah Ibrahim but continued performing and recording under the *Dollar Brand* moniker for some time.

One of Ibrahim's most significant contributions to South African heritage is his composition "Mannenberg" from 1974, which has been hailed as a seminal piece and even considered an unofficial national anthem. Recognizing his immense talent and influence on music, Mr. Ibrahim was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Music from the University of the Witwatersrand in 2009.

If you enjoy artists like *Jacky Terrasson*, *Brad Mehldau Trio*, or *Esbjörn Svensson*, then Abdullah Ibrahim's music will surely captivate you with its unique blend of jazz elements and cultural influences.

ECM Records, also known as "The Creative Label," is a German independent label that was co-founded by producer Manfred Eicher, Manfred Scheffner, and Karl Egger in Munich (Pasing) in 1969. With the label code LC 2516 / LC 02516, ECM stands for Edition of Contemporary Music and specializes in jazz and Western classical music. Their catalog features both acoustic and electronic artists who produce eclectic versions of contemporary music.

Since its inception, ECM has released over 1500 recordings spanning more than 40 years. The label's diverse catalog includes works from renowned composers such as Steve Reich, Arvo Pärt, Philip Glass, and many others. They are also known for their experimental and electronic jazz releases featuring artists like Nils Petter Molvær, Pat Metheny Group, Jan Garbarek, among others.

What sets ECM apart is not only their outstanding music but also their commitment to creative production and exceptional sound quality. Each album released by ECM showcases the label's dedication to producing top-notch recordings that captivate listeners with their sonic brilliance.

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African Piano was a highly influential album, and it has lost none of its power - as can be heard on this CD reissue and new 180 gram vinyl album. Both versions are released for the first time under the name Abdullah Ibrahim instead of the pianist's original 'Dollar Brand' sobriquet. Sometimes a musical message is so urgent that questions of recording quality are almost beside the point. Informally recorded in 1969 in a noisy club - Copenhagen's famous Jazzhus Montmartre - the flavour of this album is 'documentary' rather than luxuriantly hi-fidelity, yet the essence of Abdullah Ibrahim's communication comes through loud and clear. The listener is drawn into the robust rhythms of his solo piano style, as he re-examines the history of jazz from a South African perspective, with echoes of songs of the townships, and vamps that hint of Monk and Duke and much more.

African Piano

Music GB