The Ibrahim Khalil Shihab Quintet :: Spring

We’re still a long way from spring, but as its title promises, this beautiful bit of South African jazz will almost certainly bring a bit of that seasonal feeling to your winter. Recorded in the late 1960s by Cape Town pianist Ibrahim Khalil Shihab and his group, Spring calls to mind Atlantic-era Coltrane at its breeziest, with saxophonist Winston ‘Mankunku’ Ngozi fluttering above the steady, sunny backing. Though it has to be said that this collection of musicians could get heavy if need be; check out the masterfully moody vibe they bring to “Birds,” a ten-minute homage to Trane’s “Spiritual.” | t wilcox

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