Search - Max Roach, Abdullah Ibrahim :: Streams of Consciousness

The collaboration between the two musical geniuses, Max Roach and Abdullah Ibrahim began with this 1977 recording "Streams of Consciousness" now re-issued on Piadrum records. Subsequently they toured together in the 1990's, however, this recording remained as the only one in existence. Max restates today as he prepares the album for this reissue that this encounter with Abdullah Ibrahim, "Streams of Consciousness," is dearest to him of his duo albums. It is special to him because it connects with Max's social consciousness. Max described in his liner notes for "Streams of Consciousness" when it was first released in 1977: This music is an expression of pure improvisation. Mr. Brand (Ibrahim) and I had no rehearsals or plans (written or otherwise) as to how or what we were going to record. We met at the studio, sat down to our respective instruments and commenced to perform. Our becoming musically acquainted was both challenging and enjoyable. The resulting cohesiveness, I am sure, had much to do with our environmental similarities. The liner notes today for this Piadrum reissue on CD is prepared by Phil Schaap, the jazz historian.