Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Returning Somewhat

Business school has ended for the year, so my schedule freed up a bit.

We're working on bringing some South African jazz artists to the US over the next year, so I am hoping it will go well.

In the meantime, it seems that Abdullah Ibrahim is earning honorary doctorates, winning music awards, and all sorts of good stuff these past few months.  I'd post the links, but I'm sleep-deprived and fairly certain you've seen them.

And, I have to say that, following Senzo, the awards may be fully deserved.  Senzo is an absolute masterpiece, beautifully played from beginning to end - particularly Blues for a Hip King.  Abdullah finds new depths of meaning in this piece, even after so many years.  It's stunning to hear.

Added great news is that he is now regularly touring with a reformed version of his ensemble Ekaya, so we may see a full revival of some of his most creative playing in the months and years to come.

Fingers crossed...