A Live at the Pershing & the Spotlight Club

Performer: Ahmad Jamal
Distributor: Distribution N. America

Notes: Personnel: Ahmad Jamal (piano); Israel Crosby (bass instrument); Vernell Fournier (drums). Though he was somewhat eclipsed by the shadows of Bill Evans and McCoy Tyner, Ahmad Jamal was one of the most tasteful and influential jazz pianists of the 1950s and '60s. His light, classically-influenced touch and his ear for gorgeous, chamber-like arrangements influenced many of his contemporaries (most notably Miles Davis), and these qualities can be heard even in Jamal's early recordings. Though not released until 1996, this very fine 15-track set brings together some live recordings from 1958. The set list comprises standards--"But Not for Me" and "Moonlight in Vermont" are both treated here--and songs from the bop back catalogue, like Dizzy Gillespie's "Woody 'N You." But while Jamal's song selection may seem traditional, his approach to the piano is utterly distinctive, and makes this collection of early live tracks a treat.

With his spare, subtle swing, pianist Ahmad Jamal is an important figure in both mainstream and post-bop jazz. The commercial success of his 1950s trio recordings made important inroads for jazz. His influence on Miles Davis was acknowledged by the trumpeter himself, who recorded many tunes from Jamal's repertoire. Incredibly, Jamal maintained his verve and artistic relevance all the way into the 21st century, long after many of his contemporaries had passed on.

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