The Essence Vol.1

When this record came out in 1995, it was an incredible breath of fresh air for the jazz world, which had until then been suffocating under the weight of young wolves — or rather young clones — all competing to see who could best imitate McCoy Tyner, Bill Evans, or Herbie Hancock.

This album by Ahmad Jamal, a legendary pianist if ever there was one, is perhaps his greatest record of the decade.

After two disappointing albums released on Telarc in the early ’90s (here and there…), Jamal returns with a truly exciting project that lives up to his immense talent. It’s a real rejuvenation.

Surrounded by a rhythm section he knows intimately — longtime collaborators James Cammack, Jamil Nasser, and Idris Muhammad — Jamal sounds more comfortable than ever, perhaps only rivaled by the legendary synergy he once shared with Israel Crosby and Vernell Fournier.

He also reunites with percussionist Manolo Badrena and welcomes tenor saxophonist George Coleman, an unfortunately underrated musician with a stellar résumé that includes stints with Max Roach, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis.

Jamal’s style is unmistakable: percussive piano, astonishing finesse and flexibility, and a masterful sense of momentum and dynamics. In short, this legendary pianist isn’t just essential listening — he’s a sacred monster of jazz, with a uniquely identifiable sound that hits you from the very first bars.

You won’t be forgetting it anytime soon.

Personnel:

Ahmad Jamal – piano
James Cammack – bass (tracks 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 & 8)
Jamil Nasser – bass (tracks 3 & 6)
Idris Muhammad – drums
Manolo Badrena – percussion
George Coleman – tenor saxophone (tracks 3 & 6)