Abdullah Ibrahim : The Balance - The Official Reel-to-Reel Tape Edition

Reel-to-Reel has always been the true gold standard for serious listeners, delivering studio-quality sound, bringing the master tape quality into your home.

Each of our official Reel-to-Reel Tape Edition titles are duplicated in real time from a 1:1 copy of the original flat analog master tape, faithfully reflecting the source. The tapes are 15 i.p.s half tack 1/4 inch master copies, resulting in a master-quality listening experience that captures the full dynamics of the recording : it really does sound like the musicians are in the room with you.

Produced to the IEC standard, these tapes are premium RTM  tape stock on 10.5-inch metal reels, housed in unique custom-made boxes and complete with an accompanying booklet, these releases are designed for lifetime longevity when stored in a cool, clean place away from magnetic fields. 

“There are few musicians in jazz who can make you feel that essentially all is right in the world.” - The Times

"Getting the balance just right has always been Ibrahim’s great strength, drawing from a source but keeping it fresh..." - Julian Cowley, The Wire

"The lead track Jabula is full of gloriously rich sounds, encased in Ibrahim’s impeccably uplifting chord progressions with lush horn lines, and lilting melodies." - Twisted Soul

"A modern master... his graceful playing leans on equal measures of force and restraint, of dense clusters and open space. Mr. Ibrahim’s music is dotted by satisfying, sometimes stunning, passages of repose." - Larry Blumenfeld, Wall Street Journal

At the age of 84, Abdullah Ibrahim (AKA Dollar Brand) releases his first new album in four years. Entitled 'The Balance', this project features his long-time septet Ekaya, a line-up that he's been recording with since 1983. In this case, the album was recorded over the course of one day at London's RAK Studios last November. The lush horn lines, lilting melodies, and uplifting chord progressions are characteristic of Abdullah's all-encompassing Township-Jazz. This is contrasted with various solo piano improvisations, which epitomise the nostalgic yet hopeful nature of Abdullah's musical spirit. Hence, The Balance.

In his own words:

"We push ourselves out of our comfort zones. So that we can present to the listener our striving for excellence. So that we can engage with our listeners without any barriers of our ego. It's not jazz. For us, it's a process of transcending barriers."