Ahmed Abdul-Malik

Ahmed Abdul-Malik (born Jonathan Tim, Jr.; January 30, 1927 – October 2, 1993) was an American jazz double bassist and oud player. Abdul-Malik is remembered for integrating Middle Eastern and North African music styles in his jazz music. He was a bass player for Art Blakey, Earl Hines, Randy Weston, and Thelonious Monk, among others.

Abdul-Malik was most active as a jazz musician from the mid-1950s to the mid-1960s. He recorded half a dozen albums as leader, which have been described as containing a “refreshing” fusion of jazz with Arabic and African music. During this time he was also described as “a hard bop bassist of some distinction”. As an oud player he did a tour of South America for the United States Department of State and performed at an African jazz festival in Morocco.

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