The Manrilla Blog | Life. Art. Religion. Culture.

The following is an article about the Sudanese bassist and composer, Ahmed Abdul-Malik, that was originally published in Down Beat Magazine, July 4th, 1963. The article was written by Bill Coss. Beyond an excellent insight into the workings of a master musician, Abdul-Malik ties the thread between knowing the Creator and knowing one’s world. Given Modernity’s fractured vision on the relation of things, Abdul-Malik’s words are erudite and moving. He was also a stellar musician of world-class calibre. Hat tip to Doug Benson for the resource. May Allah have mercy on his soul.

In some degree, all music is about something. But what it is about, its contents, differs widely and generally determines its essential worth.

For composer Ahmed Abdul-Malik the content encompasses all the sciences. particularly the sociological, ethnic, and theological. The easiest thing to say would be that Abdul-Malik is different from most jazz musicians, and both his brief biography and the development of his thought immediately show that difference, while at the same time serving as a primer for youngsters who might aspire to be what Abdul-Malik considers the complete musician.

All his conscious development has come from religious convictions. “People think I am too far out with religion,’ he said. “But it is so necessary to know the Creator, to know the rules of being - what it means - to know the commandments, to know you are commanded to use your intellect and will… That allows you to advance in all subjects. How else can you know about life? And music is life.

“You must do subsidiary study. All music has its own history, of course, and you need to know that, but it is also important to know the non-musical side of a people. That way you learn more about their music. By studying a people’s habits, you find their musical expressions.

“That you are commanded to do. The whole health of the world is based on each contributing to one another: doctors, bakers, musicians. If musicians want to co-operate, they must be masters of all scales which will broadcast to the receiver of the mind.”

“Really, a musician should be in excellent condition, physically, mentally, professionally, and scientifically,” Abdul-Malik continued. “I have studied all the elements: animals, insects, plants, space – the universe - old and new jazz but most importantly the Creator.

“How can you play beauty without knowing what beauty is, what it really is? Understanding the Creator leads to understanding the creations, and better understanding of what you play comes from this. How can you understand fully without knowing the start, the continuation, and the ending? Read more this entry »

If you have a chance, come on down to AXD Gallery this weekend to check out my brother’s show. He’s got some really great paintings up. Fun for all! The reception is tonight from 5-7pm but the show runs September 6th to the 29th. The gallery is located on 10th Street between Locust and Spruce [Google Map]. See you there!

I will be submitting one of the images from my new project, AME [The American Muslim Experience] at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Design Staff art show. The image is one of Shaykh Hajj Musa, a long standing resident of the Philadelphia Muslim community. The print is a large-format ink jet print [54 inches by 36 inches] - you can see the image as well as the print one coming off the plotter below. I will inform you of any additional shows. Prints will be on display at the School of Design starting Monday, July 23rd [34 & Walnut, Philadelphia]. The show is a short one so if you happen to stop by in the next week or so it along with the other staff/faculty images should be up. Below is a preview of the image as well as the print coming off the large-format plotter. Enjoy.

Update!

The PennDesign Staff Art Show official details:
July 23rd through August 1st, the Reception is Friday, July 27, at 5pm. Hope to see you there. If you need directions just leave a comment here and I’ll get back to you.

Update!

Many thanks for those who took time to come. It was a pleasure to get a chance to show the first image of the series. Following photographs © 2007 Jerry Brown.

I’d like to think that I normally post topics of substance, but given my current post-baked state, this’ll make perfect sense. Ragdoll Avalance II - just play it.

In an effort to procrastinate my school work even further, I decided to write a little blurb about the series since so many have found them of interest. Enjoy.

The Delaware Online News Journal just did a bio-intraspective piece on my brother, Mike, who draws some of the comics and cartoons some of you watch (from Spider-Man to Darkhawk. Samurai Jack to the Venture Brothers on Cartoon Network). I can’t think of any major title Mike’s not penciled or inked. And speaking of drawing, the article also discusses the magazine which he created/edits, DRAW! He’s traversed the bounds of working professional to art educator. But enough of that. Read the article here. Congrats, #1 brother.

I feel oh-so behind the times. I just got around to checking out Dave Chapelle’s Block Party (on DVD). I keep having people calling and saying, “yo, yer brother’s in Dave Chapelle’s movie.” So, last night I checked it out and lo and behold, the boy’a all up on stage, doin’ his rock star thang. Lookin’ good akh. Proud of ya! Click on the images for full-sized shots. He’s the guitar player.

Had a some what busy weekend. Went to see a film entitled, Imagine the Sound, by Ron Man (Comic Book Confidential, Grass). The film follows four musicians from the free-jazz/avant-garde jazz movements: Cecil Taylor, Archie Shepp, Bill Dixon and Paul Bley. The showing was at the International House on UPenn’s campus. If you’re interested, here’s a link to the film (I heard they’re supposed to re-master it for DVD soon).