It was like the first time I saw an Art Tatum transcription book. Unbelievable what had actually been put on the paper. What he actually DID. that it’s possible. You know it’s something that really different and really great.

Ahmad Jamal to me in 2010.

“It was like the first time I saw an Art Tatum transcription book.  Unbelievable what had actually been put on the paper. What he actually DID. that it’s possible. You know it’s something that really different and really great.” – Ahmad Jamal 

(Source: http://www.youtube.com/)

Awe

“It was like the first time I saw an Art Tatum transcription book.  Unbelievable what had actually been put on the paper. What he actually DID. That it was possible. You know right away it’s something that really different and really great.” – Ahmad Jamal

Newport Jazz: Listen On NPR

Missed the Fest? No You Didn’t!

Evidently the Night Isn’t Still At All…

I recently chatted with Bill Charlap about Ahmad Jamal and the dynamics of piano trio. He reminded that 33.3 % of the action is contributed by each member. “It’s really three equal parts making a whole.” That’s what happens with Charlap’s group,  for sure.  Drummer Kenny Washington and bassist Peter Washington are crucial, as the above clip featuring “In The Still of the Night” reminds. The pianist wants to live up to the great steps made by his forebears. We were talking superb rhythm sections, and he referenced “Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe; Sam Jones, Joe Zawinul, and Lou Hayes; Horace Silver, Doug Watkins, and Art Blakey.” You can catch yet another one if you head to Dizzy’s the next two weeks.

I, Jukebox

Red Baraat, Chaal, Baby (SIN)

Barrence Whitfield & Tom Russell, Cowboy Mambo (ESD)

The Chieftains featuring Ry Cooder, San Patricio (Hear)

Sam Sadigursky, Words Project III Miniatures (NWAMO)

Ergo, Multitude, Solitude (Cuneiform)

Tin Hat, Foreign Legion (Bag Production)

Frank Kimbrough, Rumors (Palmetto)

Sam Newsome, Blue Soliloquy (Newsome)

Persuasions, Street Corner Symphony (Capitol)

Watch Out For Those Unexpected Left Turns…

Had fun hanging with Ahmad Jamal in his New England lair. Here’s the Down Beat profile. Here’s the YouTube clip with George Coleman mentioned in the piece.