A brief remembrance of Abdullah Ibrahim

June 17th, 2026

Nomo / michael hoefner , CC BY-SA 3.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

Dear Readers:

…..The jazz world lost another giant of the music; Abdullah Ibrahim, who died June 15, 2026 at the age of 91.

…..My admiration for his playing goes back to when he was known by the stage name of Dollar Brand (he changed his name in the late 1960’s), and his more recent work is notable for its grace and elegance. His entire discography is worth experiencing, and I have a particular fondness for his 2019 album Dreamtime, and his 2021 album Solotude.

…..I had a lovely personal experience with him in February of 2018., while I was serving as Board President of PDX Jazz. Following his sold-out Jazz Festival performance, I had the privilege of escorting him to the airport the next morning. During the 25 minute drive, he repeatedly thanked me for having a hand in the organization inviting him and his band to play in Portland, and asked many questions of me, my work history, and my family. He even invited me to come visit him in South Africa. Unfortunately, that never happened.

…..He was a deeply genuine man whose soul showed up in his everlasting music. What a loss…

Joe Maita

Editor/Publisher