AHMAD JAMAL: Ahmad Jamal with the Assai Quartet

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal with the Assai Quartet

© 1998 1997 David Mills Music (751793004224)

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Miles Davis once said, "Ahmad Jamal's music is like space breathing through music." This recording with a string quartet underscores that statement.

tracks

1 Temple Court
2 Comp Time
3 Feast
4 Patouche
5 A Short Piece
6 Pots En Verre - No. 1
7 Pots En Verre - No. 2
8 Pots En Verre - No. 3
9 Pots En Verre - No. 4
10 Everybody Knows

notes

SPECIAL NOTE: You can see a great 10-minute PBS video at:
http://www.davidmillsmusic.com/video.htm
or click on the Ahmad Jamal Web Site link (below left)

AHMAD JAMAL WITH THE ASSAI QUARTET is Ahmad Jamal's first outing with a string quartet.

The five compositions are presented in the order they were written, and one can hear a progression.

Ahmad begins with the string quartet phrasing as a single instrument set against the jazz trio (piano-bass-drums).

By the fourth piece, "Patouche" Ahmad defers to the quartet by opening with solo violin, and later has the strings dominate the 7/4 rhythm while the drums and piano splash in and out with color.

The conclusion, "A Short Piece" is performed by the string quartet alone, and in the Ellington tradition, there is an individualized solo for each player.

POTS EN VERRE is a suite of solo piano improvisations recorded on the Steinway grand in Ahmad's living room. As spontaneous compositions, this suite is a perfect complement to the suite with the string quartet.

EVERYBODY KNOWS is a torch song written by David Mills, the producer.

Suzanne Lefevre, the Assai violist, told Ahmad she always fantasized about singing jazz in a nightclub. Ahmad helped her capture that feel on her viola.

The recording is live, and if you listen carefully, you will hear Ahmad say, "Are you ready Suzanne?"

reviews

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  • Brilliant - Inspiration
    author: Derek Burrowes (Ireland)

    I stumbled across this CD and I fell for the music. Brilliant is to small a word for this piece of inspiration. I feel like I made a $5 bank raid and got away with a vault full of music. The balance between strings and piano is just about perfect, the eclectic music mix adds to the enjoyment. The recording quality is of the highest order and the playing is virtually faultless. What more do you need.

  • ABSOLUTELY DIVINE
    author: DIANE of LONDON/ENGLAND

    I searched and found a little piece of heaven here on earth! Wonderful elements of Classical Jazz and Gospel blended into a beautiful tapestry. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

  • Brilliant Music by one of the Worlds greatest Jazz Artist!
    author: Rahmat Shabazz

    What a find at CD Baby!! Brilliant original compositions, and arrangements by one of the Jazz worlds greatest pianist performing with an classical string quartet who opened their hearts to the whole concept of what Jazz is all about..a true spiritual fusion. And Ahmad's solo improvisations are jewels of wisdom, tenderly recorded at his own home...This is a great CD..Kudos!

  • Good music
    author: Joe Hale

    I saw the quartet on a PBS special and I had to have the CD. Sound quality and also selections are great. I am now wondering if AJ and the quartet will be on tour or did I miss out? I'd love to see them live.

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