Abdullah Ibrahim's special place in the world of music and jazz has found him in increasingly varied arenas.

Forming his own band Ekaya in the Eighties proved to be a turning point.

Ekaya are still touring and Ibrahim has recorded symphonic suites with string orchestras: It seems natural for his unmistakable oeuvre to settle into the big-band format.

The pan-European membership of the NDR band featured many excellent players and the leader maintained a relaxed, avuncular presence: Content to give prime solo space to them.

They played most of the current release Ekapa Ludomo: African Market had all the horns as a suitable melee over bass vamps, particularly the great flugelhorn solos from Claus Stotter.

After a hymn-like piano introduction, Mindif used flute, trombone and bass clarinet to give the piece a Gil Evans-like quality.

Kramat was another of the exuberant, traditional Cape Town themes, with the first of many stand-out solos from flautist Fiete Felsch.

There were two pieces to celebrate Duke Ellington: Star Dance showcased sweeping, Hodges-style alto from Felsch. Duke 88 featured rousing clarinet from Christof Lauer.

After the interval, Ibrahim delivered a tantalising piano medley and the band reappeared for the Ekaya original Tuang Guru which proved to be a highlight.

The big finish was Black And Brown Cherries, a homage to Weather Report's Birdland with a funky freak-out for alto and tenor saxes. The encore was Whoza Mtwana, an old favourite which features on the new CD. Joyous.