Ahmad Jamal: Emerald City Nights, Live at The Penthouse, 1966-1968

  The third and final compilation of radio broadcasts from Seattle showcasing pianist Ahmad Jamal and his trio is Emerald City Nights, Live at The Penthouse, 1966-1968, available on limited edition vinyl for Record Store Day and on CD in December. This time around, we get to hear just one of Jamal’s trios, with bassist Jamil Nasser and drummer Frank Gant, a unit that stayed together from 1966 until the mid-1970's. Jamal, with his influential block chord approach to building improvisations and the irrepressible flow of sound from his instrument, is always a pleasure to hear, especially when he’s in front of an audience. Jamal’s elaborate inventions tend to disregard most of the familiar melodies in favor of the underlying chord structures. For instance, Joseph Kosma’s Autumn Leaves, which Eugene Holley, Jr., mentions in his notes was “a mainstay in the Jamal songbook,” is delivered here “in a whirling dervish of ingenuity and taste.” Another Jamal favorite, Erroll Garner’s classic Misty, gets a similarly unusual treatment, with a lengthy piano/drum duet. Jamal’s lone solo excursion is a lovely investigation of Johnny Mandel’s Emily, a piece also favored by another extremely influential pianist, Bill Evans. As Holley reminds us, the jazz world was in a state of profound flux in the late Sixties. Jamal persevered with his trio, and he always felt at home in the Penthouse. Club owner Charlie Puzzo was a big fan, and brought a concert grand into the small club for Jamal’s frequent appearances in Seattle. Jamal, who passed away in April, 2023, was involved with this release, approving the selections, and telling Holley that “it was a great place to work.” That feeling is apparent in the ebullient performances on offer. Holley’s liner notes follow an introductory note by co-produced Zev Feldman, and are joined by excerpts from brief interviews with pianists Les McCann, Emmet Cohen, Monty Alexander and Jamal himself, plus some previously unpublished photos. Definitely recommended. 

Jazz Detective DDJD-006 (also on vinyl); Ahmad Jamal (p) Jamil Nasser (b) Frank Gant (d); Seattle, WA, dates as noted; Disc 1 (45:13): September 29, 1966: Gloria/ Fantastic Vehicle/ Misty. August 24, 1967: Mr. Lucky/ Autumn Leaves. Disc 2 (48:37): August 31, 1967: Corcovado (Quiet Night of Quiet Stars)/ Where is Love/ Dance to the Lady. April 26, 1968:Naked City Theme/ Emily (solo)/ Alfie. www.thejazzdetective.com