Search - Ahmad Jamal :: Cross Country Tour: 1958-1961

At The Pershing...and more -- Inspired Miles Davis!

William E Donoghue | Healdsburg CA USA | 01/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The first sides are from the classic "Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing" which was as essential listening in its way as "Kind of Blue." Miles was inspired by the selection of show tunes, many of which he also recorded later with Red Garland playing the Ahmad Jamal role on piano. I think it was not so much what Jamal played but what he did not play. His use of space was phenomenal. Vernell Fournier was a New Orleans drummer and Isreal Crosby had played and recorded with Benny Goodman. Together they reinvented jazz for a decade. This LP, by the way, and not Muddy Waters recording was what put Chess Records (Argo's parent) on the map financially. So thank Jamal for the other music that he funded. Classic stuff and never enough of it.
Bill Donoghue"

One of The Greatest Trio's Ever!!

dregol@14thChapter.com | Seattle, WA | 06/12/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you've ever wondered where the light sound in jazz came from, here it is. Miles Davis cites Ahmad Jamal as one of his primary influences. This is what confident, un-self-conscious jazz sounds like. Listening to this album is an experience not easily forgotten. With all the talk about pianists like Bill Evans and Oscar Peterson, Jamal's minimalist approach to jazz piano is like a cool breeze. So, take a breath"

Tightest...band...ever!

greg toro | a place | 12/14/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From a musician's standpoint, this band displays more interplay in one chorus of a tune than some bands have in a lifetime. The almost psychic connection between the trio is amazing to listen to. They pull changes in tempo, feel, time signature, breaks, hits, they do it all without flinching. Israel Crosby is one of the most underrated bassists of all time. Just listening to the first few tunes shows that these guys could not only spice up standards, but they did it as a unit. Although there is very little stretching out (most of these tunes are barely more than 3 minutes), everyone gets a piece of the action in a way that's more than satisfying. If you're looking for the tightest band ever, here it is."