Africa is a Country

Abdullah Ibrahim owns his composition “Water from an Ancient Well.”  Musicians covering his music, that’s another thing. For example, I still have my doubts with the bulk of the tracks on the Re: Brahim: Abdullah Ibrahim Remixed album. Two years ago I heard New Orleans drummer Stanton Moore’s version of that tune off his3rd album Stanton Moore II.  I confess it did not immediately grab me. This week I dug it up again for a listen. It’s not perfect, but I can warm to it. And it has history, emotion and a subdued feeling to it. In interviews Moore, whose music usually has an uptempo and bluesy feel to it, said he heard a recording of Abdullah doing the song right after Hurricane Katrina destroyed his city, felt it conveyed the mood of the city and decided to record it. Not everyone will agree with my assessment. A trusted music fiend already told me Moore’s version is “empty.” He thinks Pharaoh Sanders (not Monche) is the only US musician who does justice to Abdullah’s music. I usually take his advice, but this time I have to disagree with him.
Decide for yourself here (via BBOBLOG; scroll down, pick track number 8).