Abdullah Ibrahim - Yarona

Intimate mastery

Recorded live in 1995 at the Sweet Basil in NYC, this disc & performance captures a relaxed, masterful Ibrahim playing a collection of his most "popular" tunes with Marcus McLaurine on bass & George Johnson on drums. The whole set reeks of quiet intimacy, with relaxed, subtle & intricate playing. The whole ensemble is excellent, both individually & collectively & Johnson's occasional skittering (yet never frantic) drum & cymbal work is a particular highlight. What partly makes Ibrahim essential listening is his ability to seamlessly integrate rhythms from his native Africa with western bebop traditions & Middle eastern modes. This helps explain why you can never predict exactly what chord or phrasing will follow the wonderful spaces he leaves in his playing. Highlights are the opener Nisa, the evergreeen Cherry Mannenburg & the closer Barakaat ('Blessings") although it's a pity African Marketplace is not played in full. Nevertheless, thoroughly recommended, particularly those wondering how best to start an Ibrahim collection. October 19, 2007

Yarona, Abdullah Ibrahim

According to my opinion, there is a better example of those Abdullah trios, the "African Magic".
However, "Yarona", remains a very good example of the recent Abdullah work with trios and one of the advantages is the presence of Marcus McLaurine, the bassist, whose work -once more- is beautiful: creative, innovative, sensitive.
For whom they love Abdullah work, it still remains a record to listen to. August 13, 2007

Outstanding

This is an outstanding recording from an outstanding artist. Yarona will be a prize for your jazz CD collection. At times Ibrahim can be sweet and subtle. Then, the trio will break into fascinating creativity that move and rock you. The recording breathes with atmosphere. February 20, 1999

This recording captured the "liveness" of the performance.

After being present at Sweet Basils when this was recorded we were pleasantly surprised that the disk did capture the nuances of the performances. Evident is the spiritualness of Ibrahim's playing and an amazing cohesivess and communication of this trio. The sounds of live audience response (and some clattering dishes) added to the atmosphere of being at one of New York's legendary jazz hot spots. And do pay particular attention to the musicality exhibited by George Johnson, drummer - exceptional and sensitive - as was the bassist Marcus McLaurine. An exceptional evening and recording. December 5, 1998

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