Ahmad JAMAL - The Essence Part One 1995

Ahmad JAMAL - The Essence Part One 1995
Recorded on October 30-31, 1994 at Studio Marcadet, Paris

Jazz

Mostly recorded in Paris, with two additional tracks from New York, this absorbing collection is a testament to the continuing ability of Ahmad Jamal to startle and engage jazz listeners who are tired of Tyner/Evans clones and want to hear something different. An equal mixture of standards and Jamal compositions, some of which move through several contrasting sections, this CD reaches its peaks when Jamal and company dive in and work around a single bass ostinato and a propulsive rhythm groove. Bassists James Cammack (Paris) and Jamil Nasser (New York) provide the former, drummer Idris Muhammad and percussionist Manolo Badrena are in charge of the latter, and a tough-sounding George Coleman turns up on tenor on the New York tracks. One fascinating quirk -- Jamal seemed fixated upon Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments" at these sessions, for he quotes the tune several times on the album. These sessions were so fruitful that Verve was able to serve up a tasty second helping a year later.
By Richard S. Ginell, All Music Guide.
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From the very first notes plunking his Steinway on the opening track, you can hear Ahmad Jamal is out to make a statement with this recording. His original composition "Flight" especially reflects his uniquely rhythmic, percussive, and abrupt style of piano playing. Later, on the title track with George Coleman’s fine tenor sax work, it’s clear that this is an album for all Jamal fans to savor.
Jamal’s technique is probably more similar to Erroll Garner’s than anyone else, and he has escaped the trappings (i.e., Bill Evans-isms) of many modern jazz pianists. He’s a musician who resists becoming more entertainer than artist, yet he almost always sounds best live.
 The Essence contains a strong mix of original compositions as well as standard ballads such as "Lover Man" and "Autumn Leaves." The master pianist stretches keyboard perimeters and provides his side men with plenty of elbow room for their own contributions. There is some especially nice percussion throughout.
By Mark Craemer.
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George Coleman- (Tenor Sax),
Ahmad Jamal- (Piano),
Jamil Nasser- (Bass),
Manolo Badrena- (Percussion),
James Cammack- (Bass),
Idris Muhammad- (Drums).
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01. Flight  (6:29)
02. Toulouse  (6:55)
03. The Essence  (10:10)
04. Lover Man  (5:45)
05. Catalina  (6:40)
06. Autumn Leaves  (6:56)
07. Street of Dreams  (5:33)
08. Bahia  (6:34)
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