Dream Time

It might not have been planned this way, but *Dream Time* exists as a companion of sorts to Ibrahim’s 2019 full-band release *The Balance*, with a bit of overlapping material. The setting of *Dream Time*, however, is wholly different: Away from the alluring horns of his ensemble Ekaya, the South African NEA Jazz Master sits alone at the grand piano before an intimate crowd near his home in Germany, conjuring beloved melodies and moods that flow seamlessly into one another. There’s a relaxed, out-of-tempo quality in his musings that makes the album title more than apt. But there’s also a blues-tinged vernacular, a forceful attack, and an underlying elegance to the playing that recalls Ibrahim’s mentor Duke Ellington—explicitly acknowledged not only on “Dedication to Duke Ellington” but also on “Song for Lawrence Brown” (the longtime Ellington trombonist).

The South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim’s Solo Concert, recorded in his new homeland of Bavaria. “Dream Time” choreographs this subtly stirring recital as a timelessly beautiful self portrait of the artist. Calm, yet exuding a gripping power. In prelude, soft tones gently reveal the initial melodic content. Motifs emerge in echo, making way for a complete melodic statement refined through minute, unexpected details. The gathering stream flows directly into a single, liberating chord. A second melody follows suit, at once melancholic, morphing to bright lyricism, also settling on an open chord. Yet not an end, but a transition...Abdullah Ibrahim is a master of transition. Born October 9th, 1934 in Cape Town, South Africa-the iconic pianist soon celebrates 85 years on the planet. A pianist, whom at 85 continues to exhibit a long winded perseverance in performance. In the course of an hour’s time, an uninterrupted flow of melody-tonal beauty of a strong spiritual nature.This music towers far above the mere sum of it’s notes.