This post is by Dan
Recorded November 1985
The music of Abdullah Ibrahim always evokes historical images of more peaceful times. Whether portrayed as "home," which is the English translation of the group name Ekaya, or an ancient well, the past is brought into the present through the music.
The particular line up for this version of Ibrahim's ensemble is the same as on the Ekaya album that I reviewed earlier, with David Williams substituting for Cecil McBee. Each soloist is given plentiful space, and each delivers compelling improvisations that fit seamlessly within Ibrahim's artistic vision.
The title track on Water from an Ancient Well is reason alone to spend time with this album. It's a stately, lilting melody that presents everyone with opportunities to solo. At almost 12 minutes, it's unusually long for Ibrahim, but the length accommodates extended solos from each player. One of the more difficult assignments a jazz soloist receives is to improvise meaningfully at slow tempos. Ibrahim's band rise to the challenge with some of the most soulful statements imaginable. "Water from an Ancient Well" reminds me of the title track on Grant Green's Idle Moments album, which also gives each soloist time to develop ideas that build off of simple melodic material.
"The Wedding," which appears on at least a dozen of Ibrahim's albums that I know of, receives a short, celebratory reading that I never tire of hearing. It's power and beauty wrapped together into a few wonderous minutes. Obviously, "The Wedding" has deep meaning for the composer, who must know of the spell it casts on listeners. Smart man.
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