In the wake of Ahmad Jamal’s death on April 16, 2023, we asked our hosts and staff for their favorite tracks by the legendary pianist.
“Poinciana” from At the Pershing: But Not For Me
The 1958 performance resulting in the recording But Not for Me yielded Jamal's stretched out version of "Poinciana" which I find to be so intimately played with such a warmth to it. While the Downbeat review that year wasn't stellar, saying Jamal was essentially playing cocktail music, they sure ate their words. The fact that the album became one of the best-selling jazz albums of the decade reminds me that I'm not alone in finding his precision, delicacy and intimately performed version of this legendary song enchanting. – Carolyn Bednarski, Programming & Production Coordinator/On-Air Host
Lament" from Big Byrd
That instantly recognizable buoyant and soul-drenched touch, effortless chordal wizardry and masterful orchestration could only be Ahmad Jamal. Ahmad's jubilant and telepathic interplay with bassist James Cammack and drummer Idris Muhammad is as beautiful as it gets. – Monifa Brown, Host, Saturday Evening Jazz
“Poinciana” from At the Pershing: But Not For Me
Like most people my age, I suppose it would have to be “Poinciana” from Live at the Pershing. That was the first great piano trio I ever heard. I heard it at home and at Junior High 258 [in Brooklyn], where we used it to perform a modern dance performance during a musical. All the descriptions about his playing, from Miles and others, can be heard in these two tunes: “But Not For Me” and “No Greater Love.” – Rob Crocker, Host, Late Night Jazz
“Dolphin Dance” from The Awakening
Ahmad Jamal composed so much that I’ve admired over the years - “New Rhumba,” “Patterns,” “Tranquility” and “The Awakening” come to mind. I suppose it’s odd that I would choose his version of another pianist’s work. By the time Jamal recorded Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance” on his album The Awakening, the piece had already been around for five years and had already become something of a standard. But Ahmad, with bassist Jamil Nasser and drummer Frank Gant found something new to share, so much so that the numerous times I’ve sat on the sand down the Jersey shore and watched the dolphins at play—it’s Ahmad’s version I hear in my head. – Brian Delp, Host, Drive Time
Autumn Leaves from Portfolio of Ahmad Jamal
If you know me you know how much I love piano jazz and very near the top of my list is Ahmad Jamal. We can't say enough about how much we will miss him but we're certainly happy about the immense body of work he left behind. When I was first introduced to jazz listening to my Dad's records, Ahmad Jamal was in heavy rotation in our house. His connection to melodies punctuated by the percussive groove that lives in much of his work, drew me in. Plus, he had a way of bringing something original to every standard or cover that he played. A great example is his take on “Autumn Leaves.” It's one of my favorite things from one of my favorite pianists of all time. RIP Ahmad Jamal. – Pat Prescott, Host, Favorite Things
"Swahililand" from Ahmad Plays Ahmad
Ahmad Jamal in a trio setting is pure perfection and he takes you away to that land with every single note, making you want to return again and again and again. – Nicole Sweeney, Host, Lights Out
"Feeling Good" from Emerald City Nights: Live At The Penthouse 1965-1966
He was one of the first to play the Steinway Grand piano at WBGO. Gave it a thumbs up. Then Ahmad Jamal started to invent. Live. The best way to take in his artistry. Considering that, I’ve selected something captured at The Penthouse in Seattle in October of 1965. Featuring Jamal’s masterful spacious touch, along with bassist Jamil Nasser and drummer Chuck Lampkin (of Dizzy Gillespie Big Band fame, and who would later become the first morning news anchor at New Jersey 12 television), the Bricusse/Newley gem lives up to its name – Feeling Good! As Ramsey Lewis said of Jamal,” He takes care of business!” – Gary Walker, Host, Daybreak
Listen to Doug Doyle's "Art of the Story" piece on Ahmad Jamal, above.
NOTE: We’ll continue to update this page as more recommendations come in.