Ahmad Jamal - Happy Moods

The space-man of jazz

When you come across an artist who actually influenced Miles Davis, you take note. Ahmad Jamal, a criminally under-appreciated pianist, took his keys to previously unchartered areas of music. Using space in his music, he increased anticipation and tension, emphasising the notes he played. Featuring mainly standards, plus a couple of his own compositions, this 1960 release strips the music to bare bones. By Jamal’s very high standards, this isn’t one of his best, but it’s far from a disaster.

3 stars 3 stars 3 stars

Argo | LP 662

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