Search - Abdullah Ibrahim - Brother With Perfect on DVD

A Music Of Struggle, A Study Of Perfect Timing

Michael F. Hopkins | Buffalo, NY USA | 12/13/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"One of the finest documentaries on African Music

makes its way onto DVD, and it's a sure bet that

this feature hits the ground swinging. A BROTHER

WITH PERFECT TIMING is an exceptional look at

Abdullah Ibrahim, the remarkable South African

pianist-composer who's made his mark on Jazz and

other musical fields for a good half-century now,

and is still playing strong.

Wisely, the 1980s documentary -co-produced by Chris

Austin, Gill Bond, and Ibrahim himself- centers upon

the artist's own nitty-gritty eloquence in speaking

on the basics of this music, and the culture it emanates

from. Those used to the overly-academic, over-the-top

fundamentalist mouthings of the Marsalis era will find

this presentation from Music Video Distributors to be

quite the eye-opener.

Both earthy and polished, the anecdotes which spin from

Ibrahim's seasoned rap tingle with great wisdom, a touch

of naughtiness to spice up the virtuous flavor, and an

abundance of winning charm.



Ibrahim's academy is the education of struggle,

honed in surmounting the gauntlets of sanctioned

prejudice and societal apathy to shape his art.

Delivering traditions that refuse to die, he is

strengthened by the innovations of two continents

which will not be silenced.

To hear Ibrahim talk on the healing power of Music

is to hear a master scientist of sound sharing

precious herbs with those who have been ill for

too long. No New Age rejoinder, Ibrahim's is the

authentic caliber of indigenous song which New Agers

have been superficially trying to cop for decades

now. Listen to his talk on the roots of the classic

"Mannenburg", or his thoughts on Thelonious Monk,

and hear the bounty of his reflections upon the

nature of his struggles to be heard, as he shares

all he continues to learn.



Best of all, Ibrahim consistently puts his money

where his mouth is. His spontaneous deliberations

as a speaker are more than matched by his steady

breaks upon himself to play exactly what he is

talking about.

Equally delightful are the documentary's frequent

segments of his activities as a leader. Between

his employment of African choral tradition, and

his equally superb instrumental arrangements, you

never lose sight of the aural richness at hand.

Longtime lovers of Great Black Music will recognize

baritone saxophonist Charles Davis, multi-reed

threat Rick Ford, and tenor saxophonist Basil

Coetzee (the last featured briefly as he plays

part of his now-acclaimed solo from "Mannenburg").



While the DVD could probably use some digital

remastering here and there, the play is clean

enough, and its contents are crystal clear.

Whatever your musical interests, A BROTHER WITH

PERFECT TIMING is an impeccable testimony to

the power of positive, uplifting song, delivered

by one of the world's most unique messengers.

Heed his call.

"