Dickensian Confusion Reigns
jokamachi | california | 08/06/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is the best of times and the worst of times to be an obsessive completist of Ahmad Jamal's early performances. In the past many of Jamal's cd releases have provided listeners only portions (or even snippets) of shows that were two or three times as long, but thank goodness that's quickly changing with many of the current releases that restore to granduer the brilliance of this seminal pianist's performances from the late 50's and early 60's.
As of today, there are currently four versions of the Pershing shows available, three collections that include the Blackhawk performance, and now we see a third attempt the splendid Spolight performance.
First off, the bad news. If you have the Original Chess Masters' cd "Ahmad's Blues," then you already own the first 16 tracks of this collection, what many consider to be the meat and bread of the Spolight performance.
Now, the good news. The first sixteen tracks aren't the meat and bread, they're merely the salad, the appetizer, and... well, ok, maybe some of the bread, but what you do get are the nine missing tracks from the Spotlight performance and three uncollected studio tracks thrown in for good measure. The important thing to remember is that the complete show is now available.
All in all, Jamal was at his best live and there's no disputing any show from this period. The Spotlight performance has languished incomplete for too long so there's much to celebrate with this release. Don't be dissuaded by the price tag. This is one of several shows that any Jamal fan should own. Think of it this way, would you settle for only a slice of the Bill Evans Trio at the Village Vanguard?
No, neither would I."
Pure Genius!
J. Bailey | 04/25/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"When you hear this recording, you will realize why Miles Davis referred to Ahmad Jamal as a genius. Jamal is and was the Mozart of jazz piano and his renditions of well known standard tunes are anything but standard. When he plays "Autumn Leaves," he takes you on an excursion into harmonic and rhythmic variations that will leave you completely awestruck. Jamal's sidemen, Israel Crosby and Vernell Fournier are also brilliant musicians and with Jamal, they created one of the best piano trios in the history of jazz.
To a Jamal fan such as myself, this recording plus the complete Pershing, Alhambra and Blackhawk CDs are the musical equivalent of the Treasures of Tutankhamun.
Get this CD and and I guarantee that you will listen to it again and again for the rest of your days."
College Reprise
Ruben J. King-Shaw, Sr. | Florida | 02/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Years ago and recently married I had the privilege to visit the Spotlight Club and enjoyed Ahmad Jamal's Trio. It was great then and this second time super enjoyable."
Track Listings (14) - Disc #1