Music Monday: Abdullah Ibrahim

I eked out a little more listening time this week (but still not enough!) to Abdullah Ibrahim who passed away last week. I find his discography confusing, and I don’t know of any real guide to it. As a result, I’ve always restlessly scrolled through it listening to things that I like rather than trying to get a sense for his development as a musician. I have always had a soft spot for Ibrahim’s unusual 1977 recording The Journey which featured among others Don Cherry and Hamiet Bluiett (and Roy Brooks and others on drums). Not only does Ibrahim play sax on the opening track, but some of his traditional-ish sounds give way to freer improvisation. A similar ensemble, also performed in Ibrahim’s 1973 album African Space Program (including Cecil McBee on bass, Brooks on drums, and Carlos Ward on various woodwinds). Again, this isn’t usual Ibrahim faire, but it shows his ability to produce dynamic and interesting music with a range of performers. Maybe his contemporary date, Black…