Dollar Brand, Johnny Dyani
Echoes from Africa
Enja Records (Germany) 1979
enja 3047 (LP) Original pressing. Limited Edition. coated sleeve.
sleeve : VG+(SRW, color-faded, some light dirts.)
media : EX-/EX-(some light noise caused by slightly hairlines.)
This 1979 album is a collaboration between South African pianist Dollar Brand—known for numerous masterpieces themed around Africa—and his compatriot and longtime musical ally, bassist Johnny Dyani, also known for his work with Okay Temiz and Don Cherry. The album features a number of outstanding compositions: B1 is a piece by the late South African saxophonist Mackay Davashe, who passed away in 1972; B2 is dedicated to McCoy Tyner; and B3 reflects the deep Islamic faith shared by both musicians. A true masterpiece.
Particularly moving is the nearly 17-minute-long A1, an arrangement of a traditional song where Dollar’s signature minimalist phrasing and Dyani’s rich, resonant bass intertwine with soaring choral parts—an emotional highlight of the album. This is the original limited German pressing, recorded using the Direct-To-Disc method, bypassing magnetic tape and capturing the sound directly onto the master disc. The sound quality is exceptional.
A1: Namhanje (Today)
B3: Zikir