Ahmad Jamal - Tranquility

I have to admit, I'm not a fan of jazz interpretations of shmaltzy pop tunes.  In fact, I can't stand it.  So when I looked at the tracklist of this album, I was initially repulsed.  But it's Ahmad Jamal!!  I haven't heard a bad Jamal album, and that gave me yet another reason to be apprehensive about this one.  I know that logic seems backwards, but I couldn't bare the fact that he may have a complete dud in his discography.  Ignorance is bliss right?  Ultimately the deal breaker was the fact that it was only priced at $1, in a dingy thrift shop.  At that price it's a no brainer really.

So, "Say A Little Prayer" doesn't exactly start off with a whole lot of promise.  The band begin by stating the theme, and I am left thinking "Oh God it is gonna suck"... but wait...

...hold on...

...oh, ok... I see what he's doing here.  Wow!!  Nice!!  Brilliant!!

This is after all Ahmad Jamal, ye with little faith.  Side one is essentially a rush of quick pop tunes, but they are given the classic Jamal Trio treatment.  That inimitable style is stamped all over these otherwise predictable tunes.  Frankly its quite refreshing, and the group even manage to have you forget the source material.  Ahmad Jamal is undoubtedly a master, and it's through an album like this that we see why.  When side one was over, I was left recalling several different moments and basically needed to play it again.  Not the outcome I would have predicted, not by a long shot.

Side two plays like a more typical Jamal Trio joint.  Three tunes over twenty minutes, with lots of extended solos and interplay.  Overall, I found this to be an excellent album.  Fun & refreshing, but with some serious moments as well, the trio deliver on all expectations.  This stereo LP was in rough shape but cleaned up surprisingly well.  It was ripped at 24/48wav and transferred to FLAC in 24/48 for your convenience... enjoy!!!

ABC Records ABCS-660
1968

Bass – Jamil Sulieman
Drums – Frank Gant
Piano – Ahmad Jamal