Abdullah Ibrahim: Mukashi

As he enters his 80th year, Abdullah Ibrahim appears to be taking stock. The legendary Cape Town pianist can look back on a long and eventful life, from the cauldron of apartheid South Africa to his close association with Duke Ellington to his triumphant performance at Nelson Mandela's inauguration. Throughout it all, Ibrahim has been a seeker, embracing Islam but also studying Zen philosophy. The title of his latest release is a Japanese word meaning "once upon a time", and there is a pared back, zen-like quality to this gentle chamber jazz, as if Ibrahim is re-evaluating his instrument. Longtime collaborator Cleave Guyton on reeds and cellists Eugen Bazijan and Scott Roller provide sensitive accompaniment. In the end, though, it's all about a master pianist serenely unfurrowing his brow. abdullahibrahim.co.za