Abdullah Ibrahim - Black Lightning (1976) [Hi-Res]

Black Lightning is an album by South African pianist Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand), recorded in 1976. The music is a vibrant blend of Cape jazz and South African musical traditions with elements of big band and free jazz. Tracks like “Black Lightning” and a cover of Thelonious Monk’s “Blue Monk” showcase Ibrahim’s virtuosic piano playing and deep interplay with an ensemble featuring notable musicians such as alto saxophonist Kippie Moketsi and tenor saxophonist Basil Coetzee. The album captures the spirit of resistance and cultural expression in apartheid-era South Africa, delivering a powerful and emotive sound infused with joy and resilience.

Tracklist:
1-1 Abdullah Ibrahim;Dollar Brand - Black Lightning [14:13]
1-2 Abdullah Ibrahim;Dollar Brand - Little Boy [8:20]
1-3 Abdullah Ibrahim;Dollar Brand - Black & Brown Cherries [7:16]
1-4 Abdullah Ibrahim;Dollar Brand - Blue Monk [5:59]