Abdullah Ibrahim Trio

The Profile

Abdullah Ibrahim (born 1934 in Cape Town), also known as Dollar Brand, is a leading figure in South African jazz. A pianist and composer whose work blends African, American and Arabic influences, he was a member of the Jazz Epistles and spent years in exile during apartheid.

Born in Cape Town in 1934; member of the Jazz Epistles with Hugh Masekela and Kippie Moeketsi; performed in exile in Europe where Duke Ellington heard him and helped secure a Reprise contract; originally known as Dollar Brand until his conversion to Islam; piano style noted for left-hand ostinatos and lyrical right-hand lines; praised for live trio performances (reviews mention supporting musicians such as Belden Bullock and George Gray on the 2005 Cala Gonone concert, and Marcus McLaurine and George Johnson on the Yarona recording).

Two DeBaser reviews praise Abdullah Ibrahim's lyrical, melodic piano and the trio's deep musical rapport. Reviewers note African, American and Arabic influences and highlight memorable live and trio-recorded performances. Both reviews rate performances highly and recommend the albums to jazz listeners.