Water From An Ancient Well

Did that happen, can't remember.

Forgettable.

It's lovely to have some jazz, but I honestly stopped focussing on it after a few tracks.

The tracks are fine, though they quickly faded into café jazz background music for me. Is it a "must listen" album, nah not really.

Pleasant jazz ambient kind of album. Not a huge fan of the genre but this is very well done of course

Yeah, this feels quite dated and none of the heads really stuck with me. It had a nice atmosphere though, and Tuang Guru especially was a lot of fun

Soft and lovely

3.75 YouTube

chill jazz for background

One of my favourite Abdullah Ibrahim albums, there's some beautiful music on this - and ska!

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.

Ik word zenuwachtig van muziek met een bassist die steeds 'onderweg is'. Loopt over de hele hals van zijn bas, als een hondje die maar niet kan beslissen waar ie gaat poepen.

Tien keer niks.

Mwa....

Afrikaanse jazz; ik blijk het te kunnen hebben.

Cool.

Sorry to say that I can think of probably 30 other albums I’d just as soon listen to as this. It’s certainly *good* but I couldn’t find the special in it.

File under : jazz!

I've been a huge fan of the Abdullah Ibrahim Trio for years, so this is right up my alley. Love the sad, sassy trombone on the title track.

Honestly... kind of boring. This was just some bog-standard jazz that didn't do much to stand out or be interesting to me.

Woof, too bland, dangerously close to a 1.

Good jazz, very classic stype

(April 16 2023) will chase it down later, “not available for streaming in Canada” (May 5 2023) I mean it was all on YouTube, I was just lazy Some kickass trombone here, was trombonist in high school and hearing a good trombone solo out of the blue is like drinking water and then realizing how thirsty you were It's a pretty gentle, tender record for the most part, you gotta be in the mood for it and I lucked out today HLs: "Song for Sathima", "Tuang Guru", title track, "The Wedding"

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 and straightforward jazz. I am not sure there was much that was noteworthy, but it was pleasant enough to listen to. I guess I was expecting more piano from the info about Abdullah Ibrahim, though.

Nice instrumentation. Mostly quiet and very pretty.

I’ve recently made my fondness for trombones known on this site. The trombone is featured throughout this album, giving it an edge in my ratings. This album is an excellent step in further acclimatizing me to jazz. I enjoyed it a lot.

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.

wTF i LIKE JAZZ NOW?

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.

Jazz

Nice. Chill

The most interesting thing about this album is how bloody uninteresting it is. Up to this point, every album on this list that I've listened to that had its roots in any African country - north/south/east/west, didn't matter - had a palpable energy and joy to it that set it apart from the American and European entries on the list. This one didn't. You could have told me that it was made in middle America and I'd have believed you. It's... safe. There are no surprises. It's just basic, big band jazz. And it's boring which, as far as I'm concerned, is a cardinal sin for a jazz album.

Very nice! Great sound, great recording. A few songs got a little into the scales a bit much for my taste but still pretty awesome. Very approachable jazz record.

What a smooth groove. On the back of the Nightmares On Wax album this is smooth and gentle. Hard to pick a fave as this album just flows so nicely.

From the artist name, album title and artwork I was expecting world music, but ok, it's cool jazz! Nice! The Abdullah Ibrahim wikipedia page is worth browse - this is a whole wing of jazz I was oblivious to. Fave track - "Tuang Guru" sounds almost like Ethiojazz, I dig it.

It’s good jazz but, well, it’s still jazz. Not for me. 2.5 rounded up

Want

some cool things some whatever things

A very dreamy, relaxed and enjoyable Sunday treat for your soul. 3.9

I liked it, will require a few more listens

No lo encontré

The piano is great on this, but the saxes are divine.

One of the most soothing works from jazz on the list. I was captivated entirely.

Standard 3 star world music/non popular music rating

This is a great jazz album that is very influenced by the Big Band Tradition. Though this album isn’t covering any new territory, it is incredibly well executed and features some excellent mastery of instrumentation. The tone and timbre that the musicians are able to achieve is full of emotion and control.

I don't really like jazz. Some of it is ok. The first song Mandela was really pleasant. I thought this might be a breakthrough for me, but the rest of the album faded into the sounds I'm familiar with. I did not hear anything else that I would like to come back to.

Having never heard of this album or Abdullah, I was happy to see a Jazz album pop up on the list AND enjoy it. Water from an ancient well has elements of John Coltrane and it just hits. Its hard to believe that an album from 1986 can sound like it was recorded at the Blue Note in 1959. 4/5

The worst album I’ve had on here, appalling.

It was fine. Kinda boring, though. No standouts.

Loved! I really enjoy jazz music and this album was no exception.

A unique slice of jazz. I could actually hear how this influenced DMB during one of the songs.

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!

Nothing that stood out for me in the collection of jazz ensembles.

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.

It was alright. I love the jazziness! I wish this album was more valued!

Jazzy

Started off thinking it's jazz but ended up really enjoying it. I think that may have been because of the sun penetrating through the morning mist, the families traversing the Clapham plains with their dogs, the smell of coffee wafting through the breeze. I have been enlightened to a new world, and Abdullah Ibrahim, you have been my light. Songs are alright too. 3.5

Sounds like a cross between coffee wake cup FM and bleeding gums Murphy. Manenberg revisited was a bit of a belter though

Got to song 3 and had to give up. I’ve heard better elevator music

Nice and chilled. Need to be in the right mood. Sot Song for sathima Manenberg Revisited Tuang Gang

The opening song and a few others ones were certainly nice, but the slow songs were rather tedious to listen to (the pace of the list generator is pretty relentless if you are not in the mood for a certain type of music).

Jazz does grab me sometimes but not on this occasion.

This wasn’t available on Apple Music in the USA, but I found it on YouTube (minus one song which wasn’t available). This was good, I liked this. Being forced to listen to jazz has made me appreciate it more. Overall, this was a really pleasant, serene album.

It’s a nice album.

Good melodic accessible jazz

Meh

First, love the cover art. Second, I saw the artist, year, and name of the tracks and was expecting one thing; when I clicked play and got something completely different. I feel almost like I got Rick rolled. But OK! Who doesn't like a little surprise swing.

Jazzy!! good so far! 5 star - maybe not specifically this album although its not bad but all the low key jazz piano music that comes after listening to this is (chefskiss)

Fantastic. "Song for Sathima" is so sad and beautiful. And the melody kept surprising me with where it went. The players interact with and contrast each other in interesting, surprising way. Like the bassist who sounds like he's playing these little fragments of scales almost removed from what everyone else is playing. But it fits into the larger picture. The bass is awesome throughout -- it sounds almost funky on "Mannenberg Revisited." I like that the bass is upfront in the mix. Sometimes it can be hard to hear the bass solo in jazz but not here. There's a lot of creative, inspired playing throughout the album. The solos feel untamed. I was surprised to learn that the band leader is the pianist because that's the instrument I noticed the least on a first listen. I'm looking forward to playing to this album more and listening for him.

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 :)

where was this on christmas day? some background lounge jazz to open presents to while you embrace the sweet numbness that only alcohol can provide.

Give me a blowy right now daddy!

🫠

Det är för mycket jävla jazz.

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.

Good, very calming

This was very chilled compared to recent albums. Totally standard

Just the right amount of smooth that I required whilst cooking dinner.

Fine jazz I guess

Smooth jazz. Great for background music. Love it!

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.

I like Jazz, but I'm not well versed in it. I tend to err towards the out there, or improv stuff. First impressions of this are pretty inoffensive coffee shop jazz, from accomplished musicians. Does it grab me? Well Mandela didn't particularly, but I was much more into Song for Sathima. Near the end now and yes, it's nice enough, not the kind of thing that will live long in my memory though. And I would hardly call it essential listening amongst the vast pantheon of jazz out there.

Nice bit of jazz. Never really been my thing, but will definitely listen again

Rambled a little too much for me

I never listened to African jazz before so I didn't know what to expect, but I ended up liking this record a lot! It is both funky and soothing at times, and overall, very well produced

Nice jazz with an interesting style. Enjoyed the first and third track.

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

Pleasant but not unique

I feel cozy now

Du jazz très sympa. Quant à la critique au sujet du mariage de Charles, je vous promets qu'elle arrivera très prochainement, soyez patients.

Ich habe meine Limiten und dieses Album hat es depassiert.

n/a

Nice album, I enjoyed it. However, I'm having trouble figuring out why it's on the list - if you read the Wikipedia you would think that its greatest accomplishment is being on the 1001 list itself. Ibrahim has clearly had a long and productive career, and is still going, which is exciting for all of us. If nothing else, it's a new one on my radar to dig into.

Besides recording quality, there is very little that would distinguish this from jazz 30 prior to when this was recorded. I suppose most jazz hit the same plateau after the fusion experiments of the 70s. Since the title track wasn't available on Spotify, I listened to a live recording of it with his trio and I preferred it by far to anything on this album. As usual, I prefer jazz in smaller arrangements. Anything beyond a quintet is generally too much for me, unless we're talking about Miles Davis' fusion stuff.

Very inoffensive Jazz. It’s okay but I’d rather listen to a lot of other jazz artists.

Jaaaaá frekar litlaus djazz. Gerði ekkert mikið fyrir mig.

An album full of nice, mellow, and smooth Jazz. It has a different tone from American Jazz, making it sound more fresh and playful to my ears.

Love this album and love Jazz in general.

Niet door te komen, na 2 nummers gestopt met luisteren..

Really enjoyable jazz album - some fun tunes, some simply beautiful. Awesome bass player. Some glitches perhaps in the recording? At times the bari Sax was so far “behind the beat” (and behind the other horns) as to be distracting, especially on headphones. But I’ll be back.

I did not know what to expect from this album. I’m a huge jazz fan but Ibrahim is not someone whose music I’m familiar with. He’s a pianist, but this is very much an ensemble effort. And it covers so much ground. It opens with Mandela, which really swings, and it never sits still. There are steamy, edgy tunes that reek if New York (Song For Sathima, Tuang Gura). Long, slow pieces (the title track & The Mountain). The Wedding is a beautiful tune in march time. I thought Mannenberg Revisited sounded very 60’s. Turns out it is a re-interpretation of a song he originally recorded in the early 70’s. A song which is often remembered as an unofficial national anthem. And the album ends a bit like it started, with the band really stretching out, on Sameeda. A terrific record.

I found this bland. When the first track came on, I assumed that it was from c. 1960, and was surprised that it was from 25 years later. The ensemble playing was nice, and I liked the bass solo in the tittle track. The tunes are pleasant enough, but nothing really grabbed me. I had never heard of this artist before, and have no idea why this is on the list. They are not an important artist, this album is far from ground-breaking or innovative. Surely there are far better and more notable jazz albums that deserved a place on the list above this. (I am clearly feeling pretty cranky this week. I haven't really liked anything.)

Although it was a little behind the times for the year this was released, it's an excellent assortment of original cool-jazz compositions. Ibrahim's piano is surprisingly sparse on here, but he sounds like a composed and stern father, who speaks up only when needed, and only as much as needed, to keep his somewhat wild, ambitious (and incredibly talented) children (the other musicians) in line. Speaking of the other musicians, dig the crazy bass on Manenberg Revisited, the unusual drum rhythms on Tuang Guru, the silky smooth saxophones on the title track and Song for Sathima, the wistful trombone on Sameeda, the self-assured flute on The Mountain. Only 2 slight critiques, the recording isn't as crisp as I'd like, and sounds more 50's than 80's, and the way all the songs finish with the same flourish is anticlimatic. OverallI, I'm really glad to have heard this and will be listening to more Abdullah Ibrahim in the future.

This is a perfectly serviceable jazz album. I'm not sure what else to say about it. It's fine background music, not that exciting. Even among jazz I would not have picked it out of a lineup. There wasn't one solo that made me catch my breath.

I really like this. Makes me feel cheerful. Also having no lyrics makes it so good to listening when focus is needed. Loved it!

beautiful

not really my jam tbh

I feel very meh about this album. Soft and pleasant jazz, but nothing at all unique or interesting about it. 4/10

What a great discovery. I’ll be coming back to this one regularly!

Det är så tråkigt med friformsjazz!!!!!

reminds me of miles davis

amazing

Nice, but a little boring 3/5

Pretty sold jazz album. Thought it had some unique flavors thrown in.

Everything about this was great. The timing of where it came up for our group also could've helped. We needed something mellow.

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

I'm just not a jazz person. Didn't even finish...

I love Abdullah Ibrahim.

Embarrassed to admit this is a total blindspot in my jazz knowledge. Overall though this was a solid album ("Tuang Guru" was a standout)

Kinda disappointed that this wasn't available in Apple Music and that I had to listen to it in YouTube Music. LOL. Overall decent background music, but didn't seem like anything special.

I’m sure it’s great. I’m just not a jazzy person.

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.

Diggin it.

Soothing background music

Very mellow, very cool.

Cool, laid-back, smooth, sometimes it got intense, but a very enjoyable album start to finish. The type of music you can play in the background all day. Never heard of this before, so I'll be sure to listen to more from Ibrahim.

Jazz, kinda boring, maybe don't appreciate it like I should

It's just a little too "cool" for me. I like jazz to be a bit more frenetic and energetic.

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

It's weird, the title track on the album was NOT on Spotify. Had to go onto YouTube to hear it. It's interesting, the music reminded me a bit of Vince Guaraldi. Perhaps that's why I enjoyed it so much. The other instruments really added something to it as well. I don't want to call it "classic" jazz, but it was a straight up jazz album. But definitely more of what you expect in a jazz album. I did enjoy this very much.

Pretty good, but why did Mandela sound like King of the Road? The title track was also really cool but sounded a little familiar - like Blueberry Hill? Song for Sathima had a very beautiful opening 35s and was okay after that (but had some fuzzy sounds, like a radio out of range, when the sax would come in?). Manenberg Revisited has a cool, energetic sound - wish I knew more about its inspiration or message. The Wedding is probably my favorite on the album; sweet and soulful. The Mountain is a nice follow-up to it. Overall, a very cool and smooth sounding jazz album with various musicians who complement each other well.

Un jazz amb elements de world music i un toc espiritual que li dona un aire diferent. No m'ha captivat, malgrat tot

I am the biggest jazz hater this side of the galaxy, but even I have to admit that this album has some alright sounds. Two outta five, probably the highest rating I've given to a jazz album so far.

This looked intriguing. South African jazz. I was expecting some rhythms with lively brass. The upbeat opening track "Mandela" is ace. It then all becomes a bit dreary and unremarkable. Disappointed. 2

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

Outstanding album. Superb compositions played and performed extraordinarily well.

2/5 naaah

I really liked it especially Mandela. Would listen again and have some songs added to my liked songs now :) 4.3/5

great album from start to finish song for sathima is 10/10 very count basie-esque look forwards to listening to more not too much that really set it apart though 9.1/10

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

I've often grumbled against the glaring omissions in the jazz selections of this list, but with this particular album, I'm forced to admit that Dimery and co. simply dug gold. I'm not a jazz specialist, just an open-minded amateur, so I didn't know who Abdullah Ibrahim/Dollar Brand was at all. Therefore, I've listened to this record with absolutely zero expectations, and I must say I'm totally enthralled by it now. It started off in quite a subdued way, though. At first, "Mandela" sounded a little too big band-like, almost too quaint to my ears, in spite of the obviously important theme suggested by its name, especially coming from a South African musician. But then each track that followed grasped my attention in a different way, from the gentleness of "Song For Sathima" and the driven focus of "Marenberg Revisited" (a variation on an important musical milestone written by Ibrahim more than a decade earlier--and a significant instrumental statement against Apartheid), and this continuing up to the arabic flavors of "Tuang Guru" and the heartwrenching finale of the short ballad "The Wedding". Closer "Sameena" was also a huge surprise in the way its minimalistic, nearly atonal introduction on brass and winds steadily grew into a meditative piece that ensnared my ear up until the very last Just like for pianist Ibrahim, I didn't know the other performers on this record either, but they're all doing an excellent job conveying the myriad emotions and colors gathered in this tight, tight package. *Water From An Ancient Well*'s scope is so impressive, and its tracklisting is so dynamic--so varied yet so cohesive too--that it instantly got a 5-star mark from me. This sort of thing doesn't often happen, so you can be sure I'll return to that proverbial well from time to time... Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 877 Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 67 Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 30 (including this one -- UPDATE: I've revisited this album since my original review, and oddly enough it's impact was somewhat less striking to me since. It's still a very good record, though) Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important): 27

I'm sorry, I'm too hyper for this. It is slow, nice, music for like the intermission in a Jazz club while you wait for the next person to sit at the piano. It is fine, nice, sweet, slow, i'm falling asleep.

Enjoyable jazz album

Its very relaxing but also quite underwhelming

5/27/2022 - ALBUM #120 Today's Album: "Water from an Ancient Well" by Various Artists - This is a really smooth and impressive jazz album from a bunch of different artists. There really isn't anything to complain about here. The bassist is consistently laying down a solid groove, the accompanying band is excellent and well balanced, and the soloists are fairly decent. There are some occasional subpar solos, but others make up for it tenfold and beyond. There title track probably has one of the best trumpet solos I have ever heard and after playing trumpet for 10+ years, that should mean something. Overall this is a really impressive jazz album that's great put on in the background or sit down with a good pair of headphones and just enjoy from start to finish. The flow is great, the runtimes of the songs don't feel too long or bloated, and every song strikes a different and unique tone. Give this on a listen if you like some more laid back jazz that still knows how to lay down a funky groove. Highlights: Mandela, Manenberg Revisited, Water from an Ancient Well, The Mountain Score: 8/10 Excellent laid-back 80s jazz

Too jazzy

What it feels like to step into a warm bath.

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

This one is really pretty. I love a good calming set of piano tracks. The title track was definitely the best, but it was all good. Everyone should invest time in piano music now and again. Absolutely worth a listen. Fave track: Water from An Ancient Well

smooth, 5,5/10

mix between general jazz and a soundtrack that would fit a movie with a nice landscape

Pleasant enough but meh

More interesting jazz than what I was expecting. World influences unlike the usual trios/quartets I typically associate with jazz.

It was a jazz album. I don't know a lot about jazz but it didn't seem remarkable. The wiki had zero info so I'm guessing there's no real story behind this album.

Þessi er ljómandi, renndi henni tvisvar og gæti hlustað oft aftur. Ekkert lag sem stendur mest upp úr, alveg solid stöff.

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.

Great band & music that Ive discovered because 1001 album generator. Thanks.

Ok jazz

Awfully good and easy-swinging. Highly polished in composition and tone and execution. There’s real elegance in the straightforwardness and simplicity of the playing and a richness and warmth from the large format. Just strong all the way around. Solid 4.

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.

Great album - caught me by surprise. Has a timeless quality, many of the tracks harken back to roots in the 50s or 60s. Definitely a keeper!

Nice chill out music, liked the title track especially.

The score to a looney tunes cartoon when nothing is happening.

Nice! Love jazz, this is classic.

Mitä jazziin tulee, on kasari must ollu aika synkkää fuusiohelvetin aikaa. Tämä taas ei sitä oo, vaan flirttailee aika häikäilemättömästi kuuskytluvun NY-soundin kanssa. Siitähän minä tietty diggaan! 4/5

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.

Huh, avausraita oli turhan iloinen "rallattelu", mutta sen jälkeen mukavaa kaunista jazzia. Nimikkobiisi olikin sitten ihan mieletön enkä oikeastaan tiedä, oonko kuullut parempaa jazz-tallennetta. Vangitsi meikän täysin. Sääli, että juuri se puuttui spotifysta (ja applelta). Suurin osa levystä ehkä 3/5, mutta pakko nostaa neloseen jo nimikkobiisin takia. Ja oli siellä pari muutakin nelosen ansaitsevaa hetkeä.

Kaunista ja kuulasta jazzia. Erityisesti avausbiisi ja nimikkokappale (joka puuttu Spotifysta, prkl) oli hyviä. 4/5

This was a new one on me. Jazz is still mysterious to me, but I did quite enjoy this.

Nice, classic, jazz

Not sure how this achieved Classic status. It is entirely forgettable. I was hoping for the south African jazz equivalent of Graceland. But there is not a whisper of Africa to my ears. Cover art 2/5 nice colours

With this album, there is nothing great about it but conversely, there is nothing terrible either. As individual songs, they are not bad, chill jazz, background music basically. Here lies the problem, the songs combined into an album have no coherence. They are all just background cafe jazz. There are no standout tracks. As songs, I would give 3 stars, but as an album, it is lacking...

The music that plays when you get kicked out of a cantina.

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.

Gorgeous, sensitive, buttery smooth jazz. Wonderful. Like sinking into a warm, comfy mattress.

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!

Straight, middle of the road Jazz. Not for me at all.

world jazz hmmm

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

Enjoyably jazzy

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.

Ahhh que bonito es lo vi ito

I accidentally started off by listening to the wrong album by Ibrahim by mistake and I enjoyed that other album way more haha so that put us off to a bad start. The feeling I got from this was that I was in a 00s chick flick at a posh wedding or garden party being offered a tray of canapes. Each song didn't contain any surprises they were very one-note and I don't find that very exciting. Meh - was waiting for the African and Indian influences I was promised and I didn't catch them (my fault but that was disappointing)

Well this was quite pleasant! Very soothing. I enjoyed it. Very lyrical music which I enjoyed.

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.

On one of my first visit to Cape Town I was having a drink with  a black man who was a local. He pointed at a person with brown skin across the room and, said ¨the coloured guy over there is a good friend.¨ He was incredulous when I told him that in my country the term ¨coloured¨ was a derogatory term for a black man. He informed me that  under the Apartheid regime,  people were segregated into Blacks, Whites (mainly Afrikaans) and Coloureds (which were everyone else). Those terms are still used to describe people but are not considered racist and the severe ramifications of being in one group or the other are no longer proscribed by the government. Abdullah Ibrahim would have been a coloured person.  The Wiki notes for this one are quite limited. As one can tell from the names of some of the songs, there is a political side to this. The song Mandela is an obvious one given he was sitting in Robben Island at the time this was released. Mannenberg Revisited  was a well known and highly political song. I read that a copy of the record was snuck onto Robben Island and when Nelson Mandela heard it he remarked that ¨liberation is near¨.  Mannenberg is about the forced removal of those defined as coloured people from a downtown neighbourhood to the suburbs of Cape Town. What boggles the mind is that these songs effectively conveyed the message of protest and uprising  without lyrics.  Song for Sathima is about his wife Sathima Bea Benjamin  If you're interested, Spotify has a wonderful EP called African Songbird with three  of her tunes including Africa which is an avant garde jazz sung with love for her  Africa.

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.

this was a tepid listen, easy listening pop jazz is not my jam.

Surprisingly bland and background music. Might need repeat listening

Nice jazzy stuff

Nice sound. The title track is missing from Spotify and Apple Music. It got a bit long at the end

Gorgeous jazz piece

Had no clue what to expect - loved the jazzy vibe of this album

6/10

saffa jazz, super chill, loved it

first 30 sec of no1 song sound exactly like some polish song

Nice smooth swinging jazz. My type to listen too.

Los albums de jazz me suenan igual

Easy listening that still slaps.

This was a pleasant surprise.

Murder

Was expecting some world folk music, not a soft jazz collection. I don’t quite understand the theme of this album. Individually, there is not a bad track, but together, it is disjointed.

Very "nice" conventional 80s/90s jazz. Pretty, and not to say boring, but not terribly attention-grabbing. Interchangeable with 101 other very good, but not very unique jazz albums, so... not what I'd hope for from this list.

Some nice smooth jazz. Again not my style but I couldn't complain about this one and it gets a positive mark.

Too happy and “chill”

Some lovely Jazz! Going into my library.

Cant give 0 stars so 1 it is. Didnt finish it as I cant stand Jazz and skipped though the tracks to see if there way something I could listen the whole way through, alas no.

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.

udmærket jazzzzz

jazzzzz, lækkert klaver, rimelig smooth, afslappende

Super Sound from the coolest of African Jazz Cats! Love it

Loved it!

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.

Having just listened to Time out by the Dave Brubeck quartet i felt that the 30 years that separated the two albums hadn’t been kind to Jazz. It didn’t flow well for me, the transition from one track to another was too harsh at times. The tracks I enjoyed Mandela - quite punchy and upbeat, it’s gets the album off to a good start. Manenberg revisited- starts slow and builds up, whilst it’s quite repetitive it allows you to follow the beat and relax into it. Tuang guru - reminded me of the backing music to a 1950’s black and white cop film The ones I didn’t Sameeda- too “all over the place” with its beat, just couldn’t relax with it. There’s a couple of tracks I would listen to again, but not the whole album

So smooth. So soft. Sameeda has a killer solo.

Jazz. Nice.

The best jazz we’ve had yet (which isn’t saying much).

H20 so bland

Surprisingly enjoyed whilst working away in the office. Still can't see me sticking this on again like most other Jazz.

A South African jazz album released in 1986. Super chill and jazzy vibes to complement my morning work. I don't go out of my way to listen to jazz, but I can easily appreciate the music.

While I enjoy jazzy rock, pure instrumental jazz simply doesn't manage to catch and hold my attention well. The music is well executed, but never rises above the level of background music. At times pleasant background music, but more often than not, it feels like the tracks just sort of drone on, going off on all sorts of tangents along the way, but never really going anywhere specific.

det här var ändå rätt så gött

Nice jazz!

Very sweet and mellow. Easy listening.

not my jam

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.

Enjoyed this album a lot. Players are all amazing, so much to hear and discover. Will definitely listen to a few more times at least

compilation album cringe

Nice change of pace from the first two listens this week. Easy jazz, and would definitely listen again. 4 stars.

Ha... I brim with hope that I would one day endure an instrumental jazz album. Today is not that day

I don't like jazz

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.

I don’t know much jazz but every-time I listen to any I find it very calming. I might revisit this album and artist

If peeing your pants is cool, consider me Abdullah Ibrahim. Don't know much about jazz so I can't really review it. Would I re-listen? Nope. 🌟

Relaxed jazz sounds Perfect to chill with 3.5/5

2.5

Started good, then solemn, then next track sounds like the menu music or first level music from a child's video game 😂 kinda decent though, enjoyable at least.

Jazz, en goede ook!

4.5

It's really my failing that I can not fully appreciate each of the components that artistically create a great jazz album.

i am surprised at how much i like this. the mellow saxophone and cool jazz vibe make it easy to appreciate and enjoy. it doesn't quite maintain that epic feel for the whole duration, but really solid.

wowowowww. 7 artists!! “Song for Sathima” was genuinely so relaxing and romantic. nice groovy bass :D

UNAVAILABLE. 3 EVEN RATING

Sweet it’s jazz

I lack the knowledge and intelligence to articulate how I feel about different jazz albums. But I liked this