The music of Abdullah Ibrahim is always intriguing and impressive and this band of his called "Ekaya" (South African for "home") reflects his compositional skills over his magnificent piano playing. He takes on the role that Duke Ellington did with his band....leading and accompanying rather than featuring his piano stylings. The band consists of a whole raft of great players beginning with trombonist Dick Griffin, alto saxophonist and flutist, Carlos Ward, tenor saxophonist Ricky Ford and baritone saxophone great, Charles Davis. The rhythm is provided by bassist David Williams and drummer Ben Riley. There are 8 compositions by Ibrahim all reflecting his South African heritage and the set begins with the magnificent and majestic "Mandela". This album is perhaps the very best set that Ekaya released and it's called "Water From an Ancient Well" It's an important document that reflects just one side of the great Abdullah Ibrahim.
