Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal (born Frederick Russell Jones, July 2, 1930 – April 16, 2023) was an American jazz pianist, composer and bandleader known for his use of space, rhythmic subtlety and economy of notes.

Born Frederick Russell Jones in Pittsburgh, Jamal became known for his trio recordings of the 1950s, including live 1958 sessions at the Pershing with Israel Crosby and Vernel Fournier. His style—notably the use of silence and sparse phrasing—was cited as an influence by Miles Davis and affected modern jazz approaches to space and dynamics.

The review praises Ahmad Jamal's economy of sound, use of silence and rhythmic approach that influenced later jazz. It focuses on a 1958 live trio recording with Israel Crosby and Vernel Fournier. The reviewer recommends returning to Jamal as a direct source of influence on modern jazz.

For:Jazz listeners, piano students, fans of Miles Davis and small-group jazz