Ahmad Jamal, born Frederick Russell Jones on July 2, 1930, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is an acclaimed American jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader known for his innovative interpretations and rhythmic mastery. A child prodigy, Jamal began playing the piano at the age of three and was composing by the age of ten. He was already performing professionally in his mid-teens and after a brief stint with George Hudson's orchestra, he formed his own group in 1951. His unique style, characterized by the use of space, his delicate touch, and his sophisticated use of dynamics and structure, has been a major influence on a succession of musicians, including jazz legends like Miles Davis and Herbie Hancock.

Jamal's career has spanned several decades, with his popularity peaking in the late 1950s and early 1960s with albums like "But Not For Me" and "At the Pershing: But Not for Me," which brought a new level of attention to the trio format. Known for his work with the Ahmad Jamal Trio, he gradually incorporated elements of funk and electronic music into his sound, continuously evolving while staying true to his jazz roots. Jamal's recent releases, such as "Emerald City Nights," "Ballades," "Marseille," and his live recordings in Marciac and at the Olympia, are testaments to his enduring vitality and creativity as a live performer. His output has not only earned him numerous awards and accolades over the years but has also provided a robust catalog that chronicles the sophistication and finesse of his musical journey.

Genres

Bebop

Cool Jazz

Jazz

Jazz Piano

Related Artists

Bill Evans

Herbie Hancock

Oscar Peterson

Keith Jarrett

McCoy Tyner

Chick Corea

Wynton Kelly

John Coltrane

Miles Davis

Brad Mehldau

Horace Silver

Cedar Walton

Latest Release

Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse 1966-68

Ahmad Jamal

Album - 11 Tracks - Released December 1, 2023