Ahmad Jamal
It’s Magic
Dreyfus Jazz
By George W. Harris

77 year old Ahmad Jamal is one of the rare living pianists who has that intangible quality that is labeled “his own sound.” The fact of the matter is that just about everyone on the scene these days is some amalgamation of either Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner or Oscar Peterson (which means Art Tatum). Jamal has been able to not only pioneer his own distinct style, but has made it a viable commodity since his landmark hit “Poinciana” over 40 years ago. Always the master of the trio, this latest release finds him branching out, so to speak, with the addition of ex-Weather Report percussionist Manolo Badrena, and the results create on of the most rewarding releases of the year.

Still intact is Jamal’s ability to weave a percussive and spare approach to the piano that weaves the melody to the improvisations in a seamless whole. Tunes like his own “Swaziland” and “Papillon” include his signature tensile spaciousness that veers around and about the loping interplay of drummer Idris Muhammad and bassist James Cammack. Badrena’s extra textures add an extra and delectable dimension to these gorgeous pieces. As to his nature, Jamal is able to take a song like The Carpenters’ “Sing” mix it with the tune “Wild Is The Wind” and puree it until a thick and rich musical gel has been formed. Likewise, his solo treatment of “The Way You Look Tonight” is parlayed in a way that only a master could approach. Forget all of the imitators and wannabes, this is the real thing. Seek, and ye shall find.