Reviews (page 5 of 7)
Nice, easygoing jazz album.
5 years ago, I would've hated this. 3.4*
Solid jazz record, nice tunes and fun soloing
Pretty chill, I'll listen again.
3.5/5
Nice, pleasant jazz. Arrived in Stevensville today for 4th of July week. Ancient Well made for good listening while running a few laps around Churchill Farms. Windy day, swells breaking on Lake Michigan shore.
it was fine. Nice jazz to listen to. Will never listen to this again...but enjoyable while I listened.
Smooth af
Nice one
Jazz with a world music infusion.
Jazz africano. Tranquilito y bonito. No digo que no haya que escucharlo, pero no lo veo trascendente. Me gustó bastante The Mountain.
Nice Mingus vibes at some points, and I could hear the South African feel too
I think this was mostly instrumental and was nice but didn't stand out to me much. Kinda felt like elevator music
Jazz album from the mid 1980s by South African jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim (who lived in exile in the US while this album was released). I don't know much about jazz but this is a nice album, very smooth sounding, definitely a good choice for a Sunday afternoon. However not sure I'll listen to it again, as there wasn't anything that stood out here.
This is clearly one of the better jazz albums that we've had in this list so far. It's still something that I would not normally listen to, so rating a jazz album is tough for me.
Smooth and palatable but it got a little too noisy for my preference. The album cover tricked me into thinking ambient but it’s straight up jazz.
Well, the album was not available on Apple Music in the US, so could not listen to but one song that was found online. If an album is not available then how great can it really be. The one song that I heard was nice, so going with middle of the road rating.
Good but not great. Maybe if I understood jazz better I would appreciate this more but I don't and I found it kinda boring compared to a lot of the other jazz on this list. Pretty soothing background music though.
This album wasn’t available on my streaming services in the US. I was able to listen to 4 tracks off of YouTube. It’s jazz and I don’t have much of an appreciation of jazz.
Excellent jazz, but unsure if I really heard the real album or not. Not available on Apple Music and had to listen on youtube and it was a playlist so not sure if I even heard the right thing.
This is a perfectly pleasant jazz album, though not one that necessarily pushes the boundaries. That's not all bad, however, as sometimes jazz can get a bit full of itself, so this is a welcome 'simple' jazz album that one could throw on whenever.
A pleasant listen and a well made collection of songs, although maybe not necessarily something I needed to hear before I shuffle off. I can't help but wonder if this didn't already sound a bit dated when it came out in '86. It really sounds like something out of time. A bit of a swing vibe that's most successful where it's upbeat. Fave Songs: Mandela, Tuang Guru, Mannenberg Revisited (Cape Town Fringe)
Decent background music
Fine, but can't think I'll ever listen to this again
It's good jazz, but I didn't see too many novelty or highlights for this one.
Cool Jazz, but nothing too special
This was some good jazz. Not exceptional, but good. 3/5.
Great Jazz. Always interesting to hear influences rebounding and influencing others Like Ellington to Ibrahim and learn what certain music means to some: Manenberg / Apartheid
Mediocre
Sounds like it was released in the 1960s rather than 1980s? Jazzy background music
Nice, liked this. Feels like it could / should be a film soundtrack. Bet the ladies would love this - completely seal the deal with this on the record player fo’ sure.
Not on Apple Music, but it is on Spotify, but the version on Spotify is missing the title track, which is also missing from the album playlist on youtube - what's the deal here? I listened to the album proper, which is pretty good! It's some nice (albeit unremarkable) jazz, and though I was hoping for some more overt African influence (this guy is South African), it's still enjoyable. I'm keeping a few tracks in my playlist, but those are cobbled together from compilations, reissues, etc. so I'm not even sure if they're real. This kind of thing is exhausting, and even though it's a good album, I don't think it was quite worth the hassle. Favorite tracks: Mandela, Tuang Guru, Water from an Ancient Well, The Wedding. Album art: Looks very cool, art of a plain or field, maybe an arroyo? Where my real heads at, who knows what an arroyo is? 3.5/5
Not available to me. I’ll submit the average rating.
Lovely listen
I think the purpose of this journey, for me, is to listen to exactly albums like this - ones that eschew the traditional rock / western canon. There is some captivating musicianship and melodies wrapped in here. Though, at times, the playing was a bit wander-y and busy to my novice jazz tastes. I'll be interested to hear how this one grows on me over time.
Really pleasant listen. Would throw this on.
I say this as a compliment: this is perfect background music. People might or might not notice it, but it sets a mood without being intrusive.
Very nice jazzy album! Still a 3/5 because I don't see myself revisiting anytime soon.
great jazz, just wasn't in the mood for jazz
I see why it's important due to the context of the anti-apartheid movement, but it's kinda boring as far as jazz albums go?
I enjoyed this way less than I thought I would, usually a fan of Abdullah but this mostly bored me/weirded me out.
I found this hard to put into a category, but I've ended up with 'Lift music' or just some incidental filler type music. A lot of saxophone and jazz stuff that just didn't set my ears alight. Nice sound, good skill, just not my bag.
I wish I could appreciate Jazz but it all sounds like lobby music to me.
Fugue sur ronflement
1st track reminds me of seinfeld for some reason bin va froh dass mal niemand aus uk oder usa sollte ich mehr jazz hören?
Enjoyable jazz album!
It's fine background music. It's not really interesting enough to keep my attention, though.
Nice instrumental jazz. For the most part it created a relaxing vibe while I made dinner. A quick listen too! If you’re interested in jazz there’s no reason to skip it!
The kind of album you play for a nightcap. Good for late nights
Jazz. Ni fu ni fa.
Helt aiit
pretty solid jazz album, nothing super interesting to me? probably owing to my lack of experience in jazz lol. there were some sweet emotional moments on a couple tracks, but overall didn't catch my ear. 6.5/10, fav tracks: the wedding, water from an ancient well
It was fine
Dimmed light and listened to a jazz album. Added to my Lounge album. To re-listen again 3.5/5
Pleasant, inoffensive, well-done, melodic jazz. Easy to work on projects to. Fun Factoids From Wikipedia: *(Abdullah Ibrahim) is known especially for "Mannenberg", a jazz piece that became a notable anti-apartheid anthem. *Ibrahim has written the soundtracks for a number of films, including Chocolat (1988), and No Fear, No Die (1990). Standout Tracks: Mandela, Manenberg Revisited, Water From An Ancient Well
3.5
For background music, like this more than messy jazz. Average rounded up from a non-jazz enthusiast. 2.5/5
Finally! A jazz album that I really should listen to! After listening: it’s not on Apple Music!! I found the title track on YouTube. I like South African jazz. 4 stars
Fine enough, not the best Ibrahim album I've heard
I'm not the biggest expert on jazz so I don't really know what makes this album stick out to be put on this list. For something that was released in 1986 I heard a lot of things that were already used in the decades prior. I don't see the innovative justification to put it on here. A decent listen, sure, but no classic to me.
I feel like I know these, but.
Ahh. Something I've never heard of. The cover and the artist's name tell me it's gonna be jazz.....And I'm right! Seems like this would have been fun creating it, but, at least the opening cut seems unworthy of being on this list. If I hadn't seen the release date of 1986, I'd have placed this in the fifties or early sixties. Production is occasionally fuzzy, and, whether intentional or not, it's distracting. Bass on MANENBERG REVISITED is very nice. And TUANG GURU is a pretty cool tune. But I don't find anything outstanding about this LP as a whole. I hate to actually say this but our small town's high school jazz band could have put this out. While listening, I tried to research why this is an important album. There's barely anything out there in terms of a review; the Wikipedia entry basically verifies its existence. I'm not a real "jazz person," so ⭐⭐⭐ __________________________________ 🎧 LPs reviewed: 44 🎧 LPs left to review: 957 🎧 LPs I found great/relevant enough to be mandatory listens (5): 10 🎧 LPs I *might* include in my own list (4): 14 🎧 LPs I will certainly *not* include in mine (1-2): 10
Like being on hold with your bank. Very pleasant easy listening jazz but dull as dishwater.
above mid, average,
Very cool jazz, almost too cool
This is a jazz album. It’s good jazz, pretty relaxing and chill but all in all just a decently good jazz album. Feel like there are better jazz musicians and jazz albums out there but hey I’m just a follower of the list. 6.2/10
Delightful.
Not my thing tbh. Some nice music played well but......
Primeros días de febrero. Vuelta al trabajo en un fin y comienzo de año que no tuvo un desenchufe completo: que la crisis, que un nuevo gobierno, que la familia, que el alquiler. Parece que todo se reunió para hacer más cuesta arriba lo personal y lo colectivo. Tocó algo que desconocía. Tranquilo. Lo siento para una cena tranquila o como música para bajar decibeles.
This had a lot of ensemble playing which is fine but I prefer something with more soloing which makes things a bit more adventurous. This was a chill and enjoyable listen.
Like shopping at a fancy department store
It was a jazz album. It wasn't bad. Relatively short. No particular song stood out, but overall I would listen again.
I know nothing about jazz so I don't really know what I'm talking about, but this was an enjoyable listen and I'll happily put it on again in the future.
Water From An Ancient Well is a weird one. The first two tracks are really nice. The next few aren't. The Wedding is beautiful, Sameeda is decent. Lots of it doesn't feel like a jazz album either, but it's a decent listen. If I gave yesterday a 4 then this is probably a low 3.
Kinda into the second half
While an overall decent sounding album, the production and arrangements for some songs definitely speak to that 80s sound. A little too much sax here and there. And on more than one occasion if I closed my eyes I could’ve sworn I was listening to a montage scene from any mid-80s romantic comedy like Romancing The Stone or similar. Interestingly the title track was not available for listening. I didn’t wanna run away listening to this, but it also didn’t wanna make me get up and make that 2nd classic martini of the night. 2.5/3.
The is accessible jazz and overall a pretty good listen. Oddly the title track isn't available on Spotify currently but it might be my favorite overall. If all jazz was this accessible, I'd listen to more jazz
Gott stuff, klárlega píanisti sem ég þarf að hlusta á, platan var ekki aðgengileg á Music, hlustaði á helstu verk í Essential listanum og byggði álit á því
Prima jazz, maar totaal niet vernieuwend toen en er zijn vast betere albums te bedenken.
Du bon jazz, pas tellement de commentaires particuliers. Généralement agréable à écouter, un son varié tout au long de l'album, ça semble une pièce importante de la scène. 7/10
Really 'nice' jazz from the mid 80s, but often sounding like 1940s/50s. Glad I got to hear this, particularly Mannenberg Revisited. Some quieter pieces, but overall a pleasant listen.
This was enjoyable for jazz, which admittedly is not my favorite. It was a bit different than some of the other jazz offerings I've had on here, which I liked.
Easy going instrumental music, can't hate it and it grew on me as I listened. 3.5 If I could Best Song: The Mountain Worst Song: Sameeda
For those whose New Year’s resolution is to walk down the aisle.
Initially I was horrified seeing this was a jazz album from the 80s, and was preparing for the worst. I was pleasantly surprised, this is actually some pretty solid bop. One of the other reviewers added some more needed context for this record, and the political message that is conveyed through the record.
Never heard of Abdullah Ibrahim previously so wasn't sure what to expect. It wasn't the most exciting jazz I've ever heard, but it was easy to listen to and had a couple of standout tracks.
This is fine could be setbreak music but much more chill. I liked the uptempo stuff the most, could be good background and road trip music
Good, but too lonf
good pianist
3/5 Some chill jazz.
they sound like they’re really happy to be playing. it’s interesting how that can come through in a recording
Was really pretty and not what I was really expecting from the titles of the songs.
I get stuck on albums like this - it’s not immediately wow, but it’s solid, and then I read about it, and it grows on me, but I usually end up at a 2 or 3. It’s an interesting jazz record for sure, but I don’t think I’m experienced enough to appreciate this. The melodies are pleasant. The playing is really solid. This almost sounds like what would be playing at a nightclub on the edge of the world, it’s a combination of a lot of vibes.
Very nice but I don't know how to tell if it's good or bad. Wouldn't seek it out, but wouldn't turn it off.
DOLLA BRAND
Interesting Jazz Album
I have a live 'smooth jazz' piano album of his which is lovely, but I'm not keen on this style of jazz. It's very good, marvellous musicianship etc, I just don't listen to it. Too much saxaphone, not enough piano.
Mejor de lo que pensaba. Jazz.
Nice jazz album
Lekker op de achtergrond.
Interesting. As a genre hopper, Ireally liked some songs. However I also felt some were a bit too Jazzy and inaccessible for someone not into the genre.
This was ok - louche jazz from the 1980s
Cool, with the best and longest sadly occulted.
It'd be cool to know what made this different/special at the time. To me it sounds like most jazz i hear; which isn't all that much, and is probably the point. Easy on the ears, smooth.
Jazz from the 1980s. Album not on Apple Music so listening on YouTube. Nice jazz so far, a little different to the type I would usually expect to hear. Nothing that stuck out to me though - 3/5.
I like jazz but didn’t get too excited with this album. It’s an ok album but nothing really stood out to me. Enjoyable as background jazz
tollasella nimellä.. ja vastaan tuli jotain jatsia.. odotukset vähän suuremmalla, ehkäpä: jumalanpalvonta albumia.. ulinoimista, ehkä stellaris soundtrakkia. pienoinen pettymys tuli vastaan kun pianon pimputus lähti käyntiin.. pikku ärhähdys tuli siihen paikkaan... naapuri sano että tiikerikö se siellä heh ei vastasin: minä vain prkl vituttaa...prkl song for sathima
I like jazz and this was pretty run of the middle. I'd say a perfectly acceptable jazz album that doesn't really do anything unique.
Heerlijke jazzy tunes, precies wat ik nodig had tijdens een lange rit naar huis in de auto.
It was OK
Fine. Not my thing. Made me think of a brunch I went to at a museum restaurant in New Mexico that was mainly attended by much older people.
Annoying that this wasn’t on Apple Music, but it was pretty good. For some reason, I wasn’t expecting traditional jazz, but it was pleasant. I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend it, though.
This caught me by surprise and I enjoyed it. It’s a really nice, easy jazz album that you can put on and listen to, or play in the background while you listen to something else.
As a budding jazz listener, I'm sorry to say I've never listened to Ibrahim before. Based on this album though, I haven't been missing all that much. The instrumentation and composition is all solid, but like a lot of post-bop and a lot of 1980s-90s releases, the music sounds tame, overly polite, and basically lacking in most of the energy I love in 1950s-70s jazz. Tracks 3, 4 and 8 have some satisfying swing/groove to them, so those are the highlights for me. However, I can't see this as an essential addition to the jazz canon, and I wouldn't be surprised if it turned a lot of people off the genre entirely. 2.5*
Rating: 6/10
Enjoyable jazzy record. Essential Tracks: Mandela (Added to playlist)
Different jazz, horn centric.
Don't judge an album by its cover. I was not expecting jazz. And it's fine jazz, as far as I can tell. Some of it's lovely, some of it's kind of boring. Suitable as background music. More interesting than the music itself is that Ibrahim's "Mannenberg" (revisited on this album) was a bit of an anti-apartheid anthem and was played at many rallies. Not the kind of rousing protest song I would expect, but that's pretty neat, and the most interesting thing about this brand of jazz.
This is quite an enjoyable jazz album. Hard to find, but worth the listen. Nearly a 4.
Smooth and buttery, not what I’d normally listen to but there’s definitely a time and a place for it.
Great album title. A shame the best track (title track) is missing on Spotify. Well worth it to seek up the full version on YouTube. The album is uneven with some strong tracks and some weak.
jazzy
Not my favourite jazz album, seemed to suffer from a lack of urgency.
I really enjoyed the bass on 'Mannenberg,' but songs like 'The Mountain' just make me feel like I'm listening to background music in a high-end restaurant.
Some pleasant jazz. I was hoping for a bit more highlight on the piano. It's also not as creative as I thought it might be
Mandela- A jazzy, plain intro with not much else to it (7.5) Song For Sathima- A relaxed jazz song, gives off dainty vibes (8) Mandenberg Revisited- A wild west pub song, with a sort of lifted spirits rung to it (8) Tuang Guru- A revamped, rejuvenated version of Mandenberg (7) The Wedding- generic Jazz, not very appealing (5) The Mountain- Serious Kung Fu Panda vibes throughout, peak jazz (9.5) Sameeda- Alright jazz- (6) Summary: One of the first full jazz projects ive listened to. I don’t see myself listening to this a lot, but it was a good listen, and had some nice tracks; OVERALL:7/10
Seems very good for what it is. Doesn’t seem particularly amazing though. Probably a 3/5. I would expect to be blown away here but I’m not. It’s very solid, but not cohesive or groundbreaking IMO. I really do like Song For Sathima. I'm going to try the title track a lot today. The reverb is unfortunately a little unnatural.
Glemte visst å rata denna, men trur den va streit
Thoughtful.
Nothing too special here for me.
Good vibes 3/5
Perfectly alright ambient, flute-heavy jazz. Even Wikipedia has nothing to say about this one.
I enjoyed a number of the tracks and would give this another listen
8/6/23 made v little impression on me :/
Jazzy jams from the year I was born. There is probably a tasteful time and a place to put this on
Nice easy background music but doesn't do a ton for me.
Nice Old School Jazz, but nothing exceptional
Nice enough but very little to write home about
It's lovely to have some jazz, but I honestly stopped focussing on it after a few tracks.
Pleasant jazz ambient kind of album. Not a huge fan of the genre but this is very well done of course
3.75 YouTube
Have heard verter jazz, thought the last copule of tracks had room for more creativity but overall a good album
An interesting mix of big band, soul, and rhythmic jazz that explores the whole range of dynamic contrast in its modest runtime. Not mind blowing by any means, but an interesting listen nonetheless.
Not the best jazz I've ever listened to, but it was a nice, pretty original and enjoyable album. Very calming and beautiful, but not all that inspiring. 3/5
A serviceable Jazz album, unclear what gives it must listen to status.
Afrikaanse jazz; ik blijk het te kunnen hebben.
Cool.
File under : jazz!
Good jazz, very classic stype
This was lovely jazz, indeed, but felt quite languid after the initial track, "Mandela," and I found myself wishing there were something a bit more uptempo in the next 45 minutes. After listening, when I was reading about the artist, I was a bit surprised to learn he is a pianist when I just mostly remembered the saxophone and flute. It was nice but not memorable to me.
Nice jazz to have in the background. Good compositions but nothing that really stands out to me
Sure is a jazz album. Unmemorable, but not in a super bad way. Not a big jazz guy in general, though.
Not on streaming
This guy's got the freak lips. He can hit the high C all night long. I saw him years ago on the Colgate Comedy Hour. King of the tuk tuk sound. 3 stars.
Nice. Chill
It’s good jazz but, well, it’s still jazz. Not for me. 2.5 rounded up
some cool things some whatever things
I liked it, will require a few more listens
Standard 3 star world music/non popular music rating
I'm not here to talk about the political significance of this album in the face of apartheid in South Africa, which is clearly a valid reason to place this album on this list, whereas most are placed for their quality or influence on the industry. These jazz pieces are optimistic, peaceful, and soothing. Every track has some instrument that stands out and carries the piece with force and enthusiasm, but everyone collaborates peacefully in support. Standout is the catchy "Manenberg" but something can be noted about them all.
The title and artwork are doing this album no favours. I was disappointed when I saw it come up, wondering what kind of crap was going to assault my ears. But it was not crap, it was pleasant. Not my preferred genre, and I won’t listen again, but it was way better than expected!
3.5 Really enjoy this one. It came out in 1986, no wonder a couple songs have that David Foster feel to them…. Still nice to listen to.
Big band music. Felt I was in a Charlie Brown special
smooth
I mean, it's jazz, so I like it, but this album just didn't really grab me. There's nothing wrong with it, but I don't see any reason to come back to it. My favourite song was Water From An Ancient Well.
Jazzy
Nice and chilled. Need to be in the right mood. Sot Song for sathima Manenberg Revisited Tuang Gang
It’s a nice album.
Loved that the first thing you hear sounds like a Christmas jazz song. Was totally not what I was expecting hahaha I really enjoyed this little album. For the most part I found it to be like instrumental pop-jazz but not in a boring or bland "radio" sort of way. The instruments all flew around the tunes and it was a great listen from front to back. On Track 7, "The Mountain", at 2:11, the baritone sax(es) are a little flat I think. I don't normally have the ear to pick up on stuff like that always but it was funny to find a moment. I'm not even a hundred percent sure but it does sound a little off. For the record this takes away nothing from the record :)
This is... definitely some jazz! For me this kind of music has to be incredibly special and unique to make a lasting impact. This is very well performed and written but ask me to recall any of the highlights or melodies tomorrow likely I will have forgotton. I did really enjoy it but unfortunately it doesnt quite elevate itself to something I'll come back and listen to time and again.
This was very chilled compared to recent albums. Totally standard
Just the right amount of smooth that I required whilst cooking dinner.
A very nice album of easy listening jazz, beautifully arranged and played. Manenburg Revisited is the standout track for me. 3.5 stars
Maybe not something I would have listened to without this challenge, but there were parts that I really enjoyed.
Nice bit of jazz. Never really been my thing, but will definitely listen again
It's fine jazz. Good background feels
Enjoy the uptempo pace of Mandela. Not so much enjoying Sameeda, a bit to much of "true jazz" style and I am so lost as to where this melody is going.
Enjoyed the first few songs, turned into noise at some point
Decent jazz
Du jazz très sympa. Quant à la critique au sujet du mariage de Charles, je vous promets qu'elle arrivera très prochainement, soyez patients.
n/a
Very inoffensive Jazz. It’s okay but I’d rather listen to a lot of other jazz artists.
Nice, but a little boring 3/5
Pretty sold jazz album. Thought it had some unique flavors thrown in.
Pree decent. Nothing particularly stuck out to me but it was enjoyable.
Enjoyable, nothing much to say. First Listen?: Y Fav. Tracks: The Mountain, Tuang Guru, Manenber Revisited Rating: 2.8/5
Embarrassed to admit this is a total blindspot in my jazz knowledge. Overall though this was a solid album ("Tuang Guru" was a standout)
Some jazz albums are outstanding out of the gate, but most need a few spins before I can really assess how I feel. Given I'm behind on my listening, rating this and moving on. Decent album, enjoyed it overall.
Kind of borders between sounding nice and being boring, but it's mostly nice and easy to listen to.
Lively performances, makes for good background or tea/coffee music. It's solid, just nothing I think I'll revisit. Favorite tracks: "Water From An Ancient Well", "Sameeda"
Jazz instrumental
I'm not the world's biggest jazz fan, but this kind of jazz I can get behind. It sounds pleasant, good for some background listening, always with a focus on melody. Sadly, the title track is blocked on Spotify and Youtube. Still, a good album. 3/5
it would be a good listen if i liked jazz but i don’t like jazz so it wasn’t a very good listen. would not listen again because i don’t like jazz. Not fair to give a bad rating. Well done Mr. Ibrahim anyway
Enjoyable jazz album
I always appreciate jazz more when a brass horn is involved. In this case, the tracks featuring the trombone were on point. There just weren't enough of them to make me get excited about the entire album. Best track: Sameeda
smooth, 5,5/10
mix between general jazz and a soundtrack that would fit a movie with a nice landscape
More interesting jazz than what I was expecting. World influences unlike the usual trios/quartets I typically associate with jazz.
Toques de jazz y de música clásica. Fácil de escuchar. Agradable.
3/5
This was nice enough jazz, nothing I'd ever listen to again and sounded really dated for 1986, but can't say anything bad about it. Didn't suck, didn't go for an hour and a half, etc. 3/5.
I’m sure that jazz-wise this is really good. Even for me, someone who does not get jazz, it wasn’t bad. Some songs I liked (much) better than others. I would much rather enjoy this music live where I can see the musicians playing and get in the atmosphere, it’s just not the same a as a layman to just listen.
Ok jazz
It is very nice. 3/5
This was a chill jazz album. Might listen to it again when in the mood for this sound.
Onvervalste Jazz; Het is niet zo mijn ding, maar dit album kan ik heel goed hebben. Als ik veel filmpjes over de natuur zou maken, zou dit perfecte achtergrondmuziek zijn. Dit alles in een taal die we allemaal spreken: instrumentaal. ***
Alright jazz, wasn't bad wasn't great. Maybe it was Water from an Ancient well but it wasn't spectacular. You know, maybe it actually tasted a bit like old water.
Ihan hyvää jatsia. En kuitenkaan osaa mun plebikorvilla sanoa että onks tässä muuta erityistä kun että se ei oo julkastu 50-luvulla. Mutta voisin kuunnella uudestaan.
This was a new one on me. Jazz is still mysterious to me, but I did quite enjoy this.
Nice, classic, jazz
Was pretty good. Not really my kind of thing, but did enjoy. A nice bit of smooth jazz for background while working.
Smooth jazz. It was so smooth but I'm not smooth enough to enjoy it.
This is not what I was expecting from title, artist name, or album cover! I guess that one's on me. I wish there was more back story available on the Wiki, as that's one of the best bits about an undiscovered album for me. I assume the original book that lists these albums has descriptions. I'm sure that there's some political motivation behind this album. Anywho... this was a nice jazz album, but jazz isn't really my thing so I can't comment too much. My top pick is 'Song for Sathima', where the tenor sax (I believe) really shines. Beautiful!
I think I need to plead jazz ignorance again on this one. I listened to it happily enough but nothing struck me that forcefully. More Google Music nonsense with the whole album available except for the title track. I listened to a couple live versions to make up the experience but seriously what is that.
Partijtje lekkere jazz met wat afrikaanse invloeden soms
Don't really know much jazz. But this was overall a nice listen, more background music for me than active listening. Liked "Mandela" and "The Wedding" the most.
Bit of fun ennit. Bit much in places but all good
Pretty enjoyable, even if the title track isn't on the Spotify version
-Generally nice jazz but just nothing exciting really happening. "Tuang Guru" had a little bit of groove to it but just overall plain.
I’ve listened to some of Ibrahim’s more piano-based stuff in the past and liked it. The septet works for me. It’s good to hear trombones and baritone sax for a change. Often, bands like to give every soloist a chance to play in every song but that makes for very long songs, so I'm glad he didn't take that approach. The opening track has a bit of a Nawlins’, marchy feel to it and didn’t really catch my interest until the solos kicked in. The overall mood changes enough (which is impressive since one guy penned all the tunes) throughout the LP. I read that the Mannenberg Revisited track was an anti-apartheid anthem. In my opinion it’s not one of the strongest tracks on the LP. Along with track #7, it is a bit jazz-poppy for me.
Surprisingly bland and background music. Might need repeat listening
Nice sound. The title track is missing from Spotify and Apple Music. It got a bit long at the end
6/10
first 30 sec of no1 song sound exactly like some polish song
Los albums de jazz me suenan igual
This was a pleasant surprise.
Too happy and “chill”
I found this to be a very accessible album. You don't need to be a Jazz aficionado to enjoy this. It's an easy listen.
Nogen af titlerne lyder som noget man selv kunne have givet sangene, i en hashkoger, ud fra hvordan de lyder. Men god stemning, dog lidt uklart hvor vi sal hen.
Tissemandsjazz. Godt og sådan. Havde forventet lidt mere spice.
jazzzzz, lækkert klaver, rimelig smooth, afslappende
3.1 - I saw the album cover and was totally expecting world music with some chanting (groan). Instead I got easy jazz. Now I'm not sure which I would've preferred. It's definitely sweet and soulful. It sounds like the Saturday Night Live band if they kept jamming on that final farewell song while the audience files out, leaving them to play to an empty studio.
So smooth. So soft. Sameeda has a killer solo.
Surprisingly enjoyed whilst working away in the office. Still can't see me sticking this on again like most other Jazz.
det här var ändå rätt så gött
Nice jazz!
Mandela doesn't sound like anyone is playing in the same time. the downbeats are all mixed up. Song For Sathima is alright! Water From An Ancient Well is the axis about which the entire album turns. the ultimate chill and jazz album. Sameeda is a weird closer. I like it but man it is weird in the context of the entire rest of the album.
I wouldn't have thought a song titled 'Mandela' would be so jaunty, given the situation in South Africa in 1985, when this was released. That aside, I enjoyed this album. Really accessible and listenable jazz. Nice to listen to in a bar or over dinner.
Super calm and super chill jazz album. Sounds like its straight out of the early 60s. Not much else to say tbh.
Relaxed jazz sounds Perfect to chill with 3.5/5
Jazz, en goede ook!
UNAVAILABLE. 3 EVEN RATING
I lack the knowledge and intelligence to articulate how I feel about different jazz albums. But I liked this
5/10
Jazz is still not my style ;(
I wanted more African influence and got considerably more jazz than I bargained for. “Mandela” sounds like the horn section settling a workplace dispute in real time, while the rest alternates between sleepy lounge music and the sort of jazz accompaniment cartoon animals would perform in a 1960s Looney Tunes nightclub scene.
I've listened jazz albums that were worse. I'd consider this a compliment.
What makes this collection of jazz compositions better than another collection of jazz compositions beats me.
it's ok maybe a little too chill Will I listen to again: 5%
Not great for me.
p530. 1986. 2 stars. Jazz. Don't like jazz. Well done of its kind, but... meh. Nothing here that wasn't done better in the 1930s-1940s.
Not really for me
Unremarkable
This isn't bad, but I fail to see why I need to hear it before I die. I've heard plenty of other, far better jazz that better suits the list.
Pleasant listen while just chilling on a bed after feeling like I might have gotten heat exhaustion from a run. Annoying that the title track isn't on Spotify, but again its solid 2.5
I love jazz, but from all the great jazz records, why this album? Incredibly average, boring - totally could've died without hearing this.
"Is this good jazz? Is this bad jazz? All I feel qualified to say is that this is definitely jazz." en "In one ear and out the other."
Fairly run of the mill jazz; there are much better jazz albums missing from this list.
Meh. Another one of those that you wonder how it made the list.
The rehythm section sounds like backing tracks I'd practice over back in high school and some of the solos sound like my band mates back then, not in a good way. Truly bleh, and I actually like jazz
Nothing particularly spectacular about this. I could list hundreds of jazz albums that are more deserving of a place on the list. If there is a reason that I am not aware of as to why this album is included here then I’m happy to be enlightened, but upon listening, it was nothing special.
Boring
I like jazz, but there wasn’t much variety in this album, feel like most of the songs were too similar to one another
no me gusta el jazz
Not quite Jazz o my ears. MOR World music which drifts over you without effect. 2/5 5/5/26
Nice background jazz
A pleasant enough jazz record. Didn’t really get me excited.
Seems like pretty standard piano-forward jazz. I guess I was expecting something a little more interesting.
a little elevator-y for me
I’ve never really got into Abdullah Ibrahim’s jazz. I’m afraid “Water from an Ancient Well” isn’t going to change that. It’s all very well played, but overall Ibrahim’s playing (or that of his band) strikes me as too polished, too well-behaved, too clean. The solos, confined to strict blues patterns, are predictable. I’m missing that final spark. The last four tracks from “Tuang Guru” to "Sameeda" stand out a little. But, as I said, overall it’s too well-behaved for my taste. Not bad, but not my kind of jazz.
I didn't really need a jazz album today
I'm sure there's a story behind this that would make it a more interesting listen...but on the surface this is just safe, traditional jazz - brilliantly played, but unfortunately super boring.
I dislike jazz, don't care for instrumental music, and not a fan of horns or pianos, so talk about starting behind the 8 ball!
It's whatever. Poor mixing too.
Eh
The title track was the best one and the flute part the best. I think this is technically good so I feel bad rating it lower but I just didn’t really enjoy listening to it
Highlights: Mandela, Tuang Guru
Pretty and laid-back, this jazz album takes its time to unfold. Mostly driven by piano, its songs feel like twinkling sounds soundscapes. The highlight is the 11 minute title track, which feels like a journey. In particular I like the saxophone solo in the middle. When the saxophone gets going, like on that song and on "Song for Santhima," the songs feel like they're going somewhere. More often though this feels a little static and stuck in the same sounds. This is definitely a nice listen, but I don't find anything about it to be all that unique.
66/100 had a couple good songs some were quite lackluster tho
Pleasant enough, but not my thing.
I’m learning more and more through this album journey that jazz & jazz-ish album aren’t my favorite thing in the world. This album falls in that category, musically it isn’t bad. It’s actually somewhat easy to listen to but it isn’t for me. It felt like it dragged on and was more of a chore to listen to
eh, okay
This is not worth the time if you are a true jazz fan. The music is relaxing and ok but there is nothing earth shaking about the compilations. Definitely not something I needed to listen to before I die. Much more impressive jazz musicians should have made this list.
Not something I would choose to listen to but if it was playing in the background I would be ok with it
Paint by number jazz
Not for me
I like the name of this album and I usually really dig instrumental albums on this list but it all felt pretty forgettable. I'm really kinda bummed to write that. I gave it two listens and didn't keep a moment.
Sounds like Jazz... But, less than (maybe it's me? But I get the feeling it's not).
Nice background music, but that's all it is for me. Where's the drama x
I understand the historical significance of this record, but it mostlysounds like stock standard 50s jazz, 30 years too late.
2 sterne
As jazz goes not bad, good background music. Not my thing though
It sure is jazz. No doubt about that. I’m not the best judge of jazz, so take this with a grain of salt. This music did not move me and I didn’t find it to be particularly interesting or inventive. Sure, it’s smooth, but it’s not for me.
Not sure how this jazz record is any different from others on this list
Lovely background instrumental jazz, not my vibe
Jazz - ruhig und als Hintergrundmusik geeignet. Einen tieferen Sinn finde ich nicht darin. 2/5
I wouldn’t say I really liked this. This album consists of pretty generic jazz music that is really forgettable. It’s a shame that the title track isn’t on Spotify (I had to listen to it on YouTube afterwards), because that was easily my favourite.
netter pianosound für den hintergrund
Not my favorite tenor sound...and oh my that spittle buzz. That's very distracting. Not what I expected when clicking on a jazz record from 1986. Sounds more 1950s, in both vibe and recording quality. I've been obsessed of late with Paquito D'Rivera Live at Keystone Korner (1982). This is not that. I really can't get past the sustained, spittle-infused notes.
Brass is a funny thing. I love when it shows up unexpected in music. Like the saxophone on "Thunder Road" (as mentioned in my "Born to Run" review). A well placed trumpet or sax can just elevate a song, like a dash of cinnamon in a nice mulligatawny soup. You didnt know it'd be good until you tried it. That said, I don't want a mouthful of cinnamon. Too many people all playing brass at once sort of kills it for me. That said, I didn't hate this. It just mostly seemed like nice wallpaper. It's a bit of a relief, because after "Time Out" I'd just assumed I'd love all the jazz albums on this without understanding why. Well, I still don't understand why...this one, like "Time Out" would be good to put on while cooking that aforementioned mulligatawny. But I just didnt like this one so much.