Ahmad Jamal Biography
Fritz Jones, 2 July 1930, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA. A professional pianist from before his teenage years, Jamal (who changed his name in the early 50s) managed to break through to a wider audience than most jazz artists. His trio work produced many excellent recordings and his accompanists included Israel Crosby. The most influential of his advocates was Miles Davis, who recognized Jamal's interesting rhythmic concepts as being something which he could incorporate into his own work. Ahmad Jamal At The Pershing during its time became one of the biggest selling jazz albums and stayed on the album charts for nearly two years. On that recording, one of the many highlights is a breathtakingly fast version of Rodgers and Hammersteins' "Surrey With A Fringe On Top", where Jamal, Crosby (bass) and Vernel Fournier (drums) threaten to take off and spontaneously combust. With this commercial success Jamal worked extensively in the USA throughout the 60s, 70s and 80s, usually in trio format but occasionally with larger backing for record dates, and also appeared with Gary Burton.
Jamal is an important figure among mainstream pianists and their post-bop successors, mainly as a result of the indirect influence he has had through Davis. A lyrical, gently swinging musician, Jamal's playing is constantly rewarding. In his 70s, still performing and recording (notably with bass player James Crammack and Idris Muhammad), he was playing beautifully. Like Oscar Peterson, critics have often overlooked his dexterity, and his work has not received the acclaim it has deserved. For some jazz elitists, reaching the mainstream pop chart is the kiss of death and Jamal has had to endure the occasional taunt as being nothing but a competent lounge pianist.
Source: The Encyclopedia of Popular Music by Colin Larkin. Licensed from Muze.
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