The Legendary Okeh & Epic Recordings

Performer: Ahmad Jamal
Distributor: Sony Music Distribution (

Notes: Personnel: Ahmad Jamal (piano); Ray Crawford (guitar); Eddie Calhoun, Israel Crosby (acoustic bass). Liner Note Authors: Nat Hentoff; Randy Weston. Recording information: Columbia Studios, Chicago (10/25/1951 - 05/05/1952); Columbia 30th Street Studios, NYC (10/25/1955). Recorded between 1951 and '55, these LEGENDARY OKEH & EPIC sessions present the revered, though often underrated, jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal hitting his stride. Backed by Ray Crawford on guitar and either Israel Crosby or Eddie Calhoun on bass, Jamal unveils inventive percussion-less takes on a number of standards, along with two originals, with his spare yet energetic piano work showcased on every track. These are the recordings that directly influenced Miles Davis's late-'50s aesthetic, and this beautifully remastered collection is a reissue of the highest order. For aficionados of jazz piano, this album is essential.

JazzTimes (p.100) - "It is a microcosmic universe of creative manipulation of form yet also a sincere tribute to a particularly beautiful song."

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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