Ahmad Jamal has been a bandleader since he was twenty. He stands out because of his contrasting way of playing, with right hand runs that are quick as lightning and are supported by orchestral block chords. He varies a lot and gathers criticism as well as admiration for his cool way of playing, the remarkable pauses and phrasing. Musicians like Miles Davis and Keith Jarrett have always displayed a lot of praise for this jazz veteran. They called him their ‘inspiriation’ and especially Davis never put a lid on his admiration for Jamal’s style. His latest CD In Search Of Jamal proves that he still has a lot to say. The pianist states once and for all that for him the trio format is more than enough to excel. But most of all he is a full-length musician: many, many capricious notes in expressive runs mean endless explorations.
