Ahmad Jamal at the Blue Note

Ahmad Jamal at the Blue Note. Ahmad Jamal led an outstanding quartet at the Blue Note during the week of May 19-24, 2009. The instrumentation was: Ahmad Jamal, composer and pianist; Manolo Badrena, percussion; James Cammack, bass and James Johnson, drums.

Jamal announced that his rendition of “Wild is the Wind” won the Record of the Year award at Stroudsburg. Thus began the opening number of the set I heard, and what a marvelous set it was! The house was packed, the energy level was strong, and the musicians wowed the audience with their incredible virtuosity. Much of the music was danceable: especially Jamal’s originals, which comprised most of the set. Based on rhythmic vamps and exciting syncopated bass lines, Jamal made the most of it.

The rhythm was obvious in his body as he rocked back and forth while playing, tapped his foot, then stood up to conduct and direct the arrangement, while shouting out encouragements.  Ahmad would set up a riff or rhythm, and the others would accent and join in, especially with James and Ahmad playing the same licks note for note – it was uncanny how they were able to follow such complex arrangements (there was no written music on the stage). Always Jamal brought them back to the main theme, with expert timing and great dynamics.

Some of the songs were: “Love is Lost” – a waltz with a beautiful pedal-point that everyone played together; “A Flight to Russia” – Latin groove, with lines played simultaneously by the bass and piano. Ahmad played a gorgeous melody on top of this, with all kinds of breaks and poly-rhythms! And, the 51st anniversary of “Poinciana,” which is still fresh, and played as elegantly as ever. And of course, it’s such a crowd pleaser, with another ingenious arrangement.

Badrena, Cammack and Johnson smiled their way through the set, enjoying every moment. Their split-second reactions to Jamal’s dictations were really a sight to behold!
As a contrast, they segued to the ballad “Skylark,” a quiet piece with just piano and bass.
Jamal’s piano solos were filled with octaves, fast runs and advanced harmonies, yet kept a simplicity that revealed itself through his arranging skills. I felt that the band was really well-rehearsed. That, combined with the expertise of the Blue Note staff to get everyone in, out and satisfied, made for a delightful evening.

PHOTO CREDIT: Frank Capri