Reviews (page 6 of 7)
Decent background music
Absolutely goated Jazz album. Feel like I need to play this on a record player, kick my feet up, and drink tea.
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.
An album to have listened to before you die? Nah, that's in-ear out-ear Jazz despite the political statement that I am told it was. Nothing bad to it, but nothing musically overly interesting either.
Cool Jazz, but nothing too special
Background music from the Peanuts
Developing parallel to American jazz, South African jazz had begun to take root before Apartheid and would become a genre for resistance during the period of institutionalized segregation. A critical figure to this movement was Abdullah Ibrahim, who borrowed elements from local South African music such as Marabi in order to develop what is now known as Cape Jazz. Water From an Ancient Well is not Ibrahim's most renowned work, but it is still worth hearing for the 11-minute title track that embodies all the excellent jazz talent from South Africa. With a heightened importance placed on improvisation, you get the really hear the chops of every performer on this album. Ibrahim pulled together a bangin' septet for this album, and it's always a pleasure to see more jazz being represented on this list.
Good Jazz.
This was some good jazz. Not exceptional, but good. 3/5.
Yep, this one is great. Only part that jammed me up is that Apple Music didn’t have it available for the US. So listened in YouTube and got interrupted with ads
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
Whenever I get a jazz album I never know what to expect, mostly because I haven't expanded my music catalog enough. This album blew me away though, great album.
funky. Boring.
Really good! I’d be happy to throw this on anytime.
Mediocre
Enjoyable album, but nothing really stands out.
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.
Easy listening jazz. Inoffensive, dull. Let’s move on…….
Never on my radar but smooth tunes. Nice will revisit.
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
Surprisingly, I found the title track on this to be the weakest. The rest of the album was very lovely. Very chill vibe with slightly free jazz like flavor.
Absolutely beautiful! Ended up listening to it three times and it's been added to my bedtime I'm going to sleep now playlist
Not available to me. I’ll submit the average rating.
A bit of an average lowfi jazz, unfortunately Abdullahs piano skill didn't come to shine too much. Not my favourite album to listen to... anytime.
Quick, easy listen. Love Mandela but I really just don't have a ton of time for Jazz. There is so much I'd rather put on.
this is nice jazz music. its not going to illicit a huge emotional reaction from me doe
Lovely listen
Soyons honnête, pas particulièrement d'ennui ici, ni de sentiment de ne pas faire partie du club des initiés. Un jazz qui ne se regarde pas trop le nombril et donc forcément plus accessible que d'autres opus. L'écoute est plutôt aisée, les mélodies ne sont pas déstructurées, on comprend et c'est déjà beaucoup ! Ma préférence ici est cependant rythmique (Mandela, Tuang Guru), l'ennui pointe inévitablement le bout de son nez lorsque les tempos ralentissent, d'où la note...
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.
Pleasant but not something I’d listen to again.
Really pleasant listen. Would throw this on.
me encanta el jazz
This album was a nice surprise. An easy to listen to jazz album from an artist I was not aware of. Very melodic and accessible. "Song for Sathima" in particular. I will give this another listen and perhaps look for more material!
Honestly the first jazz album I've listened to that I wasn't completely blown away by. Some of the songs are decent, but I feel like a majority of the songs are forgettable or go on for way too long. A bit disappointing. Top tracks: Song for Sathima, Water From an Ancient Well (though it goes on way too long), The Wedding
Like sinking into a comfortable bed with freshly made sheets. Even without knowing the political overtones of the songs, this is a great record.
Eclectic mix of jazz influence, hard bop and swing and some southern NOLA jazz. Tame tempered and so tender, which shows more about the musicians involved than the actual album. But I digress, phenomenal album to slow dance to and to study if you're a fan of the non- chaotic improvised jazz. Its pretty mellow but takes a lot of risks in the main melody.
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.
jazz
Very nice jazzy album! Still a 3/5 because I don't see myself revisiting anytime soon.
A really great album! I hadn't realized that I had heard some of these standards before. Ibrahim is a fantastic pianist. 5/5!
Enjoyed this at first then fell away. All felt a bit filler background music
Middling jazz
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.
Great jazz album. It eas approachable, themes were interesting without being overwhelming, and I was challenged to listen closely. This is one to come back and ruminate on. There is more water in the ancient well. Headphone album for sure.
i liked it! not my favorite jazz album so far but very nice
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?
Absolutely beautiful. Soft buttery jazz that one simply melts into. Really recommend this album. 👌
Meh. Lower side of 2 stars. Jazz just isn’t my jam.
Enjoyable jazz album!
It's fine background music. It's not really interesting enough to keep my attention, though.
With a name and title like "Water From An Ancient Well - Abdullah Ibrahim", you'd think this would be some avant garde heavy metal music, or funky ethno folk, or some really wild prog rock extended play 2 hour piece. Nope, just plain old boring light jazz.
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
I won't give it one star because maybe I'm missing some brilliance, but I don't get it. Just not for me.
Good
Great
Jazz. Ni fu ni fa.
Great instrumentals
Helt aiit
I respect these guys - the music is pretty laid back generic Jazz and it was done under a difficult oppresive environment. If this was a band from NYC from the 80's it wouldn't be on this list though.
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
This is some really smooth jazz. Some of the better jazz I've heard on this generator. It's got a bit of an African/mid-eastern vibe to it. Especially in the song "The Mountain". Favourite songs: The Mountain, Mandela, The Wedding, Tuang Guru, Manenberg Revisited Least favourite songs: Sameeda 4/5
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
I thought this was enjoyable post bop jazz but nothing incredible until I got to Tuang Guru, that song was fantastic
The cover of this record lead me to believe it was going to be a little more ambient or ethereal than it was, but that’s not a bad thing. This is an interesting, more traditional jazz record which was a nice surprise.
Background music in a wine bar or restaurant. It's OK chill out jazz style music, and nothing bad about, it's just that there's nothing interesting about it. There have so many great jazz albums produced that I fail to see why this album in particular has made the list.
Big band jazz in South Africa just swings in a different way. This was absolutely lovely and unique. Wonderful recording.
3.5
Very pleasant. I’m not a jazz guy, but this list has helped me establish why: shrill and stressful trumpets put me on edge. But this is smooth and easy. Skittery drums, warm double bass, with lovely flute and sax providing the high lines. I’d be tempted by a 5, so that I have a record to listen again but the production is pretty noisy and it’s not exactly pushing things forward in ‘84.
Jazz just doesn't cut it for me, this has nice background piano style however .
Couldn't get into this at all. Had the background feel to it. There were short passages, the solos, that were almost arresting.
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
My streaming service didn’t carry this album, but I was able to cobble together most of it from other albums. Absolutely beautiful, but not Miles Davis
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.
Very nice
This was great! I wish the bass was higher in the mix because the bass playing on this album is stellar.
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
Sounds like something I'd hear in a fancy restaurant. Pleasant but kind of boring
Like being on hold with your bank. Very pleasant easy listening jazz but dull as dishwater.
above mid, average,
A beautiful album, a real surprise for me. Recorded in 1986, this is classic jazz and sounds like it could have been recorded 20 years sooner. Great playing by everyone involved and fantastic melodies.
Pleasant music. Instrumental. Sort of has a 50s sitcom feel to it. Not sure why it is on this list.
"Water from an Ancient Well" is a jazz album by South African pianist and composer Abdullah Ibrahim. Ibrahim moved to New York in 1960 and lived in exile until the early 1990's. In that time, he recorded this album at Van Gelder Studio in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The album was produced by Sathima Bea Benjamin and besides Ibrahim also included Carlos Ward (alto flute), Ricky Ford (tenor sax), Charles Davis (baritone sax), David Williams (bass), Ben Riley (drums) and Dick Griffin (trombone). Ibrahim was a leading figure in the subgenre of Cape jazz. Piano and the horns open "Mandela." This has a fast pace and reminds me of jazz from the 1940's. Separate sax and trombone solos and then they join together. That is a pattern in this album. "Song for Sathima" slows things down with the piano and horns. A New Orleans vibe. An array of sax solos. This is very romantic and perfectly fits the title. "Mannesburg Revisited (Capetown Fringe)" has piano and drums with a machine-like beat. Very nice play between the piano and horns. A dramatic ending. "Water from an Ancient Well" starts with a slow piano melody. The drums and horns come in in unison. Sax and trombone solos all around with the baritone sax knocking it out of the park. And, a bass solo. Yes! The band just jams at the end. Epic at 11 minutes! "The Wedding" is slow and romantic with the tenor sax in lead. This reminded me of a slow dance. The song builds with the piano and drums. And, no they did forget the flautist. "The Mountain" has the alto flute in the lead. This made my day. This is soothing and just a great listen. The multiple horns take turn in the lead both within and between songs. The piano, bass and drums laying the foundation. The music just amazingly fits the song titles. I need to listen to more of Abdullan Ibrahim. Actually, I did after listening to this a few times. I was not disappointed. A recommendation for everyone.
Smooth and tasteful jazz which inspiring melodies and a laid back and beautiful sound. Pulls in a number of different musicians that contribute very well to the project. Additionally, his story of escaping Apartheid is really beautiful as well.
Maybe the most unremarkable jazz album yet. 1/5
Very cool jazz, almost too cool
Smooth
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
Jazz hands!
Delightful.
3.5 ★ Way better than I expected.
I don’t know the first thing about jazz but this seemed solid and smooth.
Not my thing tbh. Some nice music played well but......
Very smooth jazz but missed a bite at times.
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.
Nice pop
Interesting, Never heard of this artist before. Thanks for the introduction. Just what the 1001 Albums project is designed for.
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.
Jazz that I likley need to listen to more than just sitting at my desk distracted by my inbox.
It’s jazz music but it’s kinda listable. Jazz isn’t my favorite style but if this album was playing in the background at a party there might be a few moments that I’d notice. Probably won’t spin again.
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.
More jazz, but worse! Second half of the album better than the first, but still not enough to elevate it beyond a 2.
Kinda into the second half
I am sure there is a backstory to the significance of this choice, late 80s isn't exactly a jazz revolution period that I am aware of. It's good for the genre, seems pretty standard issue stuff. If it came out in the 20s I would get being on this list...but it wasn't, so I am left confused.
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.
This is fine I guess? Honestly a pretty sleepy album and not sure what makes this special.
Cool. It’s a nice album with what sounds to be some great musicians. I’m not deep into jazz but good to listen to in a coffee shop, or if I need something without words to listen to while working, or if we’re having a dinner party and 1) we’ve exhausted the yatch rock playlist 2) my wife won’t let me listen to MCR or 3) I’m trying to make people think I’m cultured. But I don’t quite understand why this stands out from other jazz albums. I could put on a Spotify playlist and be good.
It’s JAZZ!!! 2/5
Hienosti meni taustamusana ohi enkä oikeastaan huomannut koska se loppui.
Oikein toimiva, nautinnollinen ja miellyttävä
Du jazz :') j'aime pas ça
I liked the album a lot. The jazz is really nice. I prefer the more softer side to the album such as the wedding and Song for Sathima
not my favorite
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
A good jazz album, but nothing more. It is suitable for relaxing listening after a stressful day.
This is kind of great. I had no idea what to expect, and honestly, the title, the cover, I'd just skip right over it, or think it wouldn't be interesting to me. Jazzy, funky, good swing, nice horns...
I actually like jazz so I liked this one!
This is not my favorite type of jazz. It sounds good what it is just, not my preference. I think it does make good soundtrack or background music. Spotify took me to one of his solo albums afterwards, and I liked this artist as a piano soloist much better, rather than as part of a jazz ensemble.
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
Really glad this came up. Definitely gonna listen again!
Ya like jazz?
Listening notes 1. "Mandela" - makes me feel light and happy. Oddly makes me think of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town", but it's really poppy 2. "Song For Sathima" - is airy and beautiful, but there's a lot of emotion coming out of the sax 3. "Manenberg Revisited" - feels like driving music for a sunny fall day; relaxing and light 4. "Tuang Guru" - love the drums on this; the repeated ascending/descending scales are ominous 5. "Water From An Ancient Well" - starts off very soulful; the trumpet work is great, love the vibe the whole way through 6. "The Wedding" - gorgeous, I can feel the love here; this is pretentious, but this song feels like what it is to look into the eyes of someone you love
My theory continues to be proven true. Although this album isn’t composed by, or doesn’t involve anyone I’m familiar with. This doesn’t really seem to be well known or popular at all. Which, if true, makes me sad, because this is a seriously under appreciated piece of jazz music. The most interesting part of this album to me is how it manages to keep each song unique and slightly different, but also have everything still fit under the same jazz umbrella. Mandela is very fun and upbeat. Song for Sathima slows things down and is much more calm and serene. Manenberg Revisited gives Charlie Brown Thanksgiving vibes. Tuang Guru feels like Indiana Jones detective crime thriller music. Think Grim Fandango soundtrack. The title track, which is not on Spotify for some reason, and The Wedding get even calmer than Song for Sathima, but I don’t find them to be as interesting. The Mountain fits its title really well. It sounds like backpacking up a rural mountain in Thailand or something. Reminds me of a Studio Ghibli movie. And Sameeda feels like the music from an episode of Tom and Jerry. This is just as traditional and simple of a jazz album as Kind of Blue, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have the complexity. As I’ve already said, Kind of Blue is one of the most flawlessly crafted jazz records ever, simply because of who was apart of it. But the complexity and skill of those working on this record, while not 100% comparable, is still excellent. This is also a much more modern jazz record compared to the majority of the very popular ones from the golden age of the genre, which gives it a more refined sound. Rating: 8/10
Prima jazz, maar totaal niet vernieuwend toen en er zijn vast betere albums te bedenken.
meh
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.
Hard to feel this is particularly essential
Found it a bit anodyne. Trying out the Dollar Brand recording instead
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.
Meh
like it!
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.
Phenomenal jazz album.
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.
Exquisite. Really lovely jazz that winds its way around your bones. For once, saying "this is superior background music" wouldn't be a backhanded compliment; I'd play this to demonstrate to house guests just what a big brain man of taste and sentiment I truly am.
Who knew this existed? It's not even on Apple Music. But I'm sure ding-dang glad I found it on YouTube. Is this the jazz discovery of the entire list?? I think that's a solid yes. This thing swings, sounds terrific, doesn't overstay it's welcome, and is just pleasing to listen to. Real, real good!
Not for me, but not bad. Would be inoffensive in the background.
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
Boring jazz for me, Clive
Good, but too lonf
good pianist
3/5 Some chill jazz.
Enjoying these jazz albums much more than I expected. Very listenable.
they sound like they’re really happy to be playing. it’s interesting how that can come through in a recording
5/10 Highlights: Manenberg Revisited
Super chill. Enjoyed this.
The fuck!! This is a gem
Really really nice jazz. Listenable yet still very varied and free
Lovely background music but didn't do much for me besides
Pretty standard jazz. Doesn’t have as much of that African flair that I was hoping for. Feels like it’s missing a certain element to make it unique.
Was really pretty and not what I was really expecting from the titles of the songs.
This is such pleasant, easy-listening jazz. This is what I imagine plays in the grocery store on Sesame Street. I did not mind having this playing in my headphones at all, and would welcome hearing more like it.
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.
Meh
Just very very meh Jazz.
Sadly, the song, \"Water from an ancient well\", is not available in my country so I couldn't hear it. Alas, the abstruse laws on copyright shoot the artist in the foot, once again.
DOLLA BRAND
1/8, 13%
2/5. This album was not available in my country so I had to resort to a live performance of the title track to get this gist of things. I enjoyed it, but it didn’t fulfill the length requirement obviously.
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.
Too sleepy for my tastes. I enjoyed the first song though
Beautiful melancholic jazz. There are a few swingin' songs on here but most are subdued.
Nice jazz album
In one ear and out the other.
My name is jazz
Lekker op de achtergrond.
Is this good jazz? Is this bad jazz? All I feel qualified to say is that this is definitely jazz.
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
I didn’t know peace until I heard this album.
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.
Not a huge fan of this one.
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
Background music, not much more
Perfectly fine, but a bit plain and not that memorable.
Not my kind of jazz. Doesn’t stand out much to me.
excellent jazz album, would like to listen more!
Holiday jazz isn’t for me
Not bad per se but way too smooth for my taste.
I fell asleep, face first on my cold spaghetti plate at the local restaurant on an uncrowded Wednesday. It seems the waiter also fell asleep, since I only woke up the following morning.
Smooth jazz for breakfast restaurants.
I’m noticing that I have been rating jazz albums really high which trust me is a surprise to me too since I haven’t historically listened to jazz. I’d say a pleasant surprise though. Really strong start here with Mandela.
Jazzy, vaguely christmasy, a little sad, not my jam
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.
These songs are works of art. They go deep. They often have unconventional, exploratory structures but always feel pure of intention. From the heart and the head, but much more towards the heart. The sax playing is very melodic and soulful. Beautiful stuff
Opening song doesn't reflect the full album. Good melodies. 3.7
Heerlijke jazz plaat, zeer smooth
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.
Not my cup of tea, but fine in its own right. Turns out I really don't like flute in my jazz.
Ótima opção para conhecer e escutar mais jazz.
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*
Funish. Not my thing, but fun parlour music
I don’t know a lot about jazz, but this album made me want to take the world by its hand and lively dance around a very small room with it, then hold it close and just let time move around me in slow, infinite circles.
Rating: 6/10
Wasn’t really in the mood for it but solid
Enjoyable jazzy record. Essential Tracks: Mandela (Added to playlist)
meh
Simply delightful! The music just ebbs and flows like a river. Saved to my playlist
Yeah just not for me
There is jazz worth listening to, but this just feels so bland
Nice, soothing jazz. Good background music. 4/5
Lovely album, I liked the tenderness of Song for Sathima the most. I think I would enjoy a whole album of that type of song.
It's not bad, but nothing particularly exciting either. It comes across at times like something off a jazz Christmas album. There's something inherently '80s cheese about the sound. Again, it wasn't bad, but nothing to bring me back.
7/5 awesome album..had been listening to Charlie Parker and John Coltrane, then this came along …wonderful…even found Ricky Ford my new favorite saxophonist….saxophone has always gotten into my soul deeply…
Toujorus bon (presque) les albums de jazz sur cette album. Adoré celui-ci. 4.75
Not a big fan and haven't listened to a lot of jazz so I don't have anything to compare this album to. It was a pretty decent album which I would never have listened to if not for this list.
It is a pity that the album's title track is not available on any streaming service. These seem to be banned tunes in this part of Europe. How silly! But the rest is fine.
Some very pleasant jazz. Smooth as butter. I could see this being a wonderful record to sit down with in a warm room on a cold winter evening, chilling with a warm drink. I don't think it gets that cold in Cape Town, so maybe that wasn't the intended mood this was meant to evoke. Either way it didn't really suit my hot day of hard work when I listened to this, but it's nice! Can't fault this. Favourite: Mandela
Different jazz, horn centric.
This ranges from highly sensitive and sophisticated jazz to little numbers that sound like the moment in the 70's movie when the bombshell looks at the suitor and says, "It's time I slip into something more comfortable." Really, there are parts that are very strong and the technical skill with which, particularly the horns are played is outstanding. Yet there is that aspect of cheesiness that haunts with a pervasive aura.
Ancient Well scratched an itch I didn't know I had. Surprising and delightful. Not at all what I was expecting, but exactly what I needed.
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.
Easy listening jazz!
One stellar track, Mannenberg Revisited, and a couple of other goodies, but the spectre of new age noodlings I am afraid frequently derails this. The mid-eighties was not a great time for jazz, and this kind of shows why.
Very pleasant smooth jazz, feels like I'm listening to an early jazz master
I couldn't listen to this - it's not available in my country.
A significant figure in South African jazz and a symbol of apartheid resistance. There's not much information available on this specific album. "Manenberg Revisited" is version of a song written in 1974 (when Ibrahim went by the stage name Dollar Brand) about the destruction of Cape Town neighborhood and the forced removal of communities of color there. Supposedly when a copy was smuggled into the prison where Nelson Mandela was held and played on the loudspeaker, Mandela said "Liberation is near." Given this background, the album undoubtedly has many layers of meaning that aren't obvious to a casual listener outside of South Africa.
Smooth and buttery, not what I’d normally listen to but there’s definitely a time and a place for it.
Great music for elevators, classic movies or a trip on a Cruise
Ugh jazz
Lovely
Sounds really cool album title but it's just jazz so might as well be called dhdjdndjd for all it matters
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 enjoy Jazz music and this was a very good example of why. Very talented musicians!
Porn jazz
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
Pleasant jazz record that is just right - interesting, but also easy - maybe not one of the greats but definitely one to return to.
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.
cute but where is my metal albums
Yep. That's some jazz.
Glemte visst å rata denna, men trur den va streit
Thoughtful.
Why is the best song on the album the one that's not on spotify
I only listened once. It really didn’t make enough of an impression on me that I wanted to listen again, consequently a possibly harsh 2*
Didn't listen too much but didn't grab me.
Nice, easy, smooth, jazz for the background
Taitavasti soitettu. Sekä saksofoni että huilu kuulostivat miellyttäviltä. Vaikea sanoa muuta. Biisien tarinat eivät välittyneet.
Melko kepeän ja luontevankin kuuloista, mutta sooloilu on minulle edelleen täysin yhdentekevää, eikä tässä juuri muuta ole.
Seems talented. I don’t know what made it special.
Nothing too special here for me.
I ALREADY RATED THIS YOU IDIOTS
jazzy but could not find whole album
Could only listen to a live version of title track
Handig om 2 jazzplaten zo kort op elkaar te hebben. Deze vond ik betrekkelijk minder tof
Smooth
Good vibes 3/5
Perfectly alright ambient, flute-heavy jazz. Even Wikipedia has nothing to say about this one.
Good jazz. I enjoyed it.
It's very pleasant jazz. Again, my enjoyment of it is limited by my lack of genuine understanding. I realise it's 'Important' and was created by black musicians in apartheid South Africa. But I don't get it. It sounds like nice background music for sophisticated people. Also, one of the musicians on this is called Dick Griffin, and if that was my name I'd never tire of jokes about rising.
Little too much. Not my kind of jazz, tuang guru was a good song though.
I enjoyed a number of the tracks and would give this another listen
8/6/23 made v little impression on me :/
I'll admit I didnt give this one a lot of time to settle into, sounded like pleasant elevator music.
Too sophisticated for me but great elevator music
I had no idea what to expect with this one. Was in the mood for some cool jazz on a Tuesday.
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.
meh
8/10. Good album, some really beautiful moments.
They found a way to make jazz sound 80s! 7/10
Background music. Inoffensive but not particularly interesting either.
Nice Old School Jazz, but nothing exceptional
Nice enough but very little to write home about
Dis ca zo, el pimer disco en su toatlidad instrumental que me voló la cabeza, es tan ilustrativo y tan expresivo que lo volví a reescuchar mientras escribo esto, un completo ejemplo de lo que hacer en un disco sonoro. Cuadno destacar, las variaciones, repeticiones, los vientes, que bien los vientos, no se, no se que más decir las palabras nunca son justas enfrente a esta pintura musical 10/10.
Real groovy, made me happy
This is getting a one because why do i have to pay for this when I already have an Apple music subscription. I know this music aint that good to be paywalled.