“One of the most lyrical of contemporary jazzmen… the atmosphere is more like a classical concert than a jazz event; throughout, the house keeps incredibly still, like it is hanging on every note and doesn’t want to miss a single one of them.”
– Will Friedwald, Wall Street Journal, January 24, 2024“(4 stars) … Featuring two sets, one without a crowd, from London’s Barbican Centre late last year, the South African pianist’s light touch oscillates between sorry and joy… A standout pair of hymnal 15-minute piano solos show Ibrahim smuggling tumbles of notes into something seemingly meditative and slow, the lack of drums only adding to their gravitas.”
– Andy Cowan, MOJO, February, 2024“Majestic… brims with an exquisite lyricism and masterful poise.”
– Nigel Williamson, UNCUT“(4 stars) (out of 5)… A master.”
– Ammar Kalia, DownBeat, February, 2024“The late-life performances of pianist Abdullah Ibrahim are a singular blend of career retrospective, meditation and in-the-moment jazz. Key influences are noted, South African roots are referenced, and the enduring power of the human spirit made clear. Experienced live, the unhurried pace of the music and his firm pianist’s touch conjure a devotional air.”
– Mike Hobart, Financial Times (UK), January 19, 2024“Captivating compositions.”
– Matt Micucci, Jazziz, January 3, 2024“Grade: A… It finds Ibrahim in exquisite form… creative daring… beautiful playing that’s fortified by subtle intensity… 3 is another exceptional late work from a jazz elder statesman.”
– Joseph Neff, The Vinyl District, January 9, 2024“4 stars… Ibrahim’s creativity is still blossoming.”
– Record Collector“A very rewarding listen.”
– Alyn Shipton, Jazzwise (UK), February, 2024“Although we are just in January, Ibrahim’s 3 will surely be one of this year’s most revered recordings… It’s a pensive, meditative, spiritual kind of listening, that, like the concert, demands concentrated listening.”
– Jim Hynes, Making a Scene, January 25, 2024
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