The CD opens with a delicate treatment of "Damara Blue." This solemn side of Ibrahim reminds me of the great Catalonian pianist, Tete Montoliu, who also combined jazz and the music of his homeland. Next comes the "Cape Town to Congo Square" suite. The first movement, "African Street Parade" is a celebration. "District Six Carnival" depicts the melancholy of apartheid. The suite closes with the joyful "Too-Kah" or "way back." "Tuang Guru" moves us and the named teacher from exile to triumphant return. A hymnlike "Song to Sathima," and the energized "Tsakwe-Royal Blue," are tributes to Ibrahim's former wife and his son.
There is an almost spiritual quality in the way emotion is conveyed by these and the other compositions in this album. In addition, the recording quality is excellent and that uncredited piano at Spier Estate in Cape Town is a listener's joy.
