Abdullah Ibrhin

The source of the giant, South African-born pianist/composer Abdullah Ibrahim's genius is his orchestral piano style, derived from the ducal sound of his mentor/discoverer, Duke Ellington. So it's only fitting that Bombella, Ibrahim's follow-up to his 2008 Sunny Side/Intuition debut, Senzo, showcases Ibrahim's powerful pianism with the world-acclaimed WDR Big Band Cologne, recorded live in March/April of 2008 in Germany, performing a well programmed potpourri of selections from the leader's dancing and diverse catalog.

This was a nicely blended, somewhat mellow and seemingly quite finished recording by Abdullah Ibrahim with Carlos Ward (alto sax, flute), Essiet Okun Essiet (bass), and Don Mumford (drums) called Zimbabwe. Interspaced with non-originals were four Ibrahim compositions, most of which were inspired by the imagery from Ibrahim's South African roots.

Abdullah Ibrahim sings and plays soprano on Ishmael but otherwise sticks to piano on this trio set with bassist Cecil McBee and drummer Roy Brooks. As usual Ibrahim's folkish melodies (this CD has six of his originals plus a previously alternate take of Ishmael) pay tribute to his South African heritage and Islam religion without becoming esoteric or inaccessible. Some of the unpredictable music gets a bit intense (Ibrahim is in consistently adventurous form) but his flights always return back to earth and have an air of optimism. An above average effort from a true individualist.