Jazz
As is Ibrahim's tendency on live recordings, recently reflected in last year's African Magic , the music tends to evolve over time through a series of smaller units. In this case the average track length is four minutes, which means things change a lot; but that's a superficial analysis because Ibrahim's trio does a wonderful job connecting everything together. (Trumpeter Feya Faku guests on three tracks, mixed too far to the front but still a worthy addition to the group.)
The most dramatic example of Ibrahim's tendency to assemble suite-like collections is "Cape Town to Congo Square," which comes in three units spaced early on the record. The suite draws its name from the connections between New Orleans and Cape Town, something that's obvious to South African jazz players but may be a discovery for outsiders. (Gospel is a very big thing in South Africa.)
The first part features very active snare drumming by George Gray, proving old debts to the marching band tradition and the unstoppable momentum of New Orleans. But Ibrahim's piano, however funky it may become, also radiates a sense of carefree joy and celebration, tribute, and accessible, open harmonic progression. The suite is well received, especially upon its return, with rumbling, blocky bass patterns leading up to a bluesy reprise of what has become one of the most memorable cadences in the history of South African jazz.
Other highlights include the old school backbeat of "Soweto," the reduced solemnity of "The Wedding," and the fresh perk of "Someday Soon Sweet Samba." But there's really no sense in breaking up the flow as Cape Town Revisited winds its way along.
This is one of the warmest, most heartfelt and reverberant records ever made in South Africa.
By Nils Jacobson.
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Abdullah Ibrahim- Piano
Marcus McLaurine- Bass
George Gray- Drums
Guest:
Feya Faku- Trumpet
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01. Damara Blue 04:05
02. Someday Soon Sweet Samba 04:45
03. Cape Town To Congo Square 1st Movement 07:36
04. Cape Town To Congo Square 2nd Movement 02:04
05. Song For Sathima 03:26
06. Cape Town To Congo Square 3rd Movement 02:00
07. Tintinyana 03:47
08. Tuang Guru 06:15
09. Eleventh Hour 03:56
10. Water From An Ancient Well 05:42
11. Tsakwe Royal Blue 03:19
12. Soweto 04:07
13. The Mountain 02:16
14. The Wedding 02:11
15. Barakaat The Blessing 03:01
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