COMPOSERS: Ahmad Jamal
LABELS: Birdology
WORKS: Live in Paris ’92
CATALOGUE NO: 849 408-2
‘I loved his lyricism, the way he played and the spacing he used in the ensemble voicing of his groups.’ So said Miles Davis of the pianist Ahmad Jamal, whose spatial awareness is widely thought to have helped shape the sound and success of the late trumpeter. Strange then that wider recognition should have evaded Jamal since. This new trio recording shows the pianist’s tender, spare phrasing and understatement to be intact. Better, set against an eager fretless bass guitar and surging drums, Jamal’s measured technique brings new excitement to standards like ‘Caravan’ as well as his own tidy originals. An infrequent visitor to the UK, he is a welcome addition to the Glasgow Jazz Fest programme, appearing on 6 July. Garry Booth
Ahmad Jamal
‘I loved his lyricism, the way he played and the spacing he used in the ensemble voicing of his groups.’ So said Miles Davis of the pianist Ahmad Jamal, whose spatial awareness is widely thought to have helped shape the sound and success of the late trumpeter. Strange then that wider recognition should have evaded Jamal since. This new trio recording shows the pianist’s tender, spare phrasing and understatement to be intact.
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm