Search - Ahmad Jamal :: Digital Works

Experience The Beauty of "Poinciana" As Played By Ahmad Jama

Rebecca*rhapsodyinblue* | CA USA | 12/04/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I believe that Ahmad Jamal is the sole owner of "Poinciana," a beautiful and exotic tune that he recorded in 1958 and instantly became his very own. He gives it the retire-the-trophy-treatment for flawlessly executing it in such an exceptionally charming fashion making it his greatest hit ever. It became a bestseller and stayed on top jazz charts for more than two years after it was released. Apart from the 1958 original recording, he recorded it again in two different settings and these can be found in "Poinciana Revisited" (1969) and Poinciana (1990). All versions are such delights to listen to. I have about eight different versions of this melody on my music collection, three of which are from Ahmad Jamal.



Ahmad Jamal's piano artistry is one-of-a-kind and to most jazz fans, his creative talent never goes unappreciated. To me, he is one of the most remarkable pianists in the history of jazz. He recorded "Digital Works" with the backing of bass player Larry Ball, drummer Herlin Riley and percussionist Iraj Lashkary. The group's interplay is marked by ingenuity and they displayed masterful talents in their respective instruments.



This album contains a dozen of tunes played in the most outstanding settings and arrangements. The listeners are guaranteed to have a great listening adventure starting off with a lovely opener, Buddy Bernier and Nat Simon's "Poinciana" down to the last track, "Wave," an enchanting Bossa Nova staple composed by Antonio Carlos Jobim. Other highlights include my favorites such as George Gershwin's "But Not For Me," Lionel Hampton's "Midnight Sun," Erroll Garner's "Misty," Johnny Mandel's "A Time For Love" and Cootie Williams' "La Costa."



For jazz fans who appreciate Mr. Jamal's piano playing, this is highly recommended. You're in for a uniquely beautiful musical journey. For more of his great albums, please check these out: But Not for Me, Ahmad's Blues, Olympia 2000, Poinciana - One Night Only, Poinciana, "Live At The Alhambra" and "Poinciana Revisited."



Have an enjoyably jazzy listening experience!

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