The jazz world has lost yet another legend.
Pianist Ahmad Jamal died Sunday afternoon in Massachusetts at the age of 92.
Jamal was known for his more minimalist approach to his playing, a contrast to bebop pianists at the time playing solos with so many notes and speed. It’s been widely documented that Jamal’s style influenced Miles Davis’s, with the trumpeter figuring out that less can be more and that space can enhance a solo.
So as we say goodbye to the influential Jamal, let’s look back at some of his most memorable and best tracks from his terrific jazz career:
1
Poinciana (the Live at the Pershing version)
The live version is arguably his most popular song, but the album version is pretty great too:
2
Darn That Dream
I love what he does with this song, keeping it live and playing with the rhythm. It’s so relaxed.
3
But Not For Me (Live at the Pershing version)
If someone asked me for one track from him to define his style, here it is.
4
Ahmad's Blues
… Or this one.
5
The Awakening
This album is SO SO GOOD. It’s from 1970, later in his career, but every tune is perfect, including this one.
6
I Love Music
You might recognize this one as a sample used by Nas for The World is Yours. It’s a great song in its own right.
7
New Rhumba
I’m choosing the performance of it from Davis’s Miles Ahead, but Jamal’s version is also a great listen:
