Another excellent restored Ahmad Jamal live performance from Resonance Records.
Ahmad Jamal At The Jazz Showcase: Live In Chicago – Resonance Records HLP-9085 180-gram 2-LP gatefold vinyl. Limited Edition First Pressing Record Store Day [4/18/2026], 102:30 ****1/2:
(Ahmad Jamal – piano; John Heard – bass; Frank Grant – drums)
Ahmad Jamal entered the jazz scene at the height of bebop. His approach was unlike most artists of that era. He utilized spacing, tension and release that was more aligned to Thelonious Monk. This allowed him to arrange for trio with a nod to “big band”. He influenced many jazz pianists including Bill Evans, McCoy Tyner, Fred Hersch, Monty Alexander and Herbie Hancock. One of Jamal’s biggest supporters was Miles Davis. Jamal remained true to his musical vision, and recorded for over 60 years.
Resonance Records has released a 180-gram double vinyl of a 1976 performance Ahmad Jamal At The Jazz Showcase: Live In Chicago. Joining him are John Heard on bass and Frank Grant on drums. This concert is among his finest. Side A opens with a 15-minute original composition, “Ahmad’s Song”. This is a complex arrangement that begins with classically-infused runs. Then the jam shifts into a broader diverse structure, but is anchored by a repeat/ ostinato feel. There are tempo adjustments and chord modulation. Jamal covers Antonio Carlos Jobim’s opus, “Wave”. Starting with a bluesy vamp, the trio transitions to a breezy medium-tempo with Brazilian motifs. The pianist trades chords and punctuated notation with subtle phrasing and syncopation. His rhythm, section stays in lockstep. Jazz pianists have always had a connection to Richard Rodgers. Also with a Latin feel, “Have You Met Miss Jones?” flows gracefully with soulful piano runs and breezy articulation. Another popular song that was adapted to jazz is Johnny Mandel’s “Theme From M*A*S*H”. Jamal infuses funky rhythm and muscular chording to frame the melody. He sustains the basic melody, but adds soul-jazz licks on the solos
One of the highlights is Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance”. The opening solo is masterful. After a minute, Jamal slides into gentle swing groove. When the trio re-engages, it becomes a rousing jam. Jamal alternates rumbling chords and fluid right hand runs. There are classic hard bop accents (with modulations) and some dissonance. It feels like there are different movements. The homage to Duke Ellington (“Prelude To A Kiss”) is another gem. Jamal weaves a sinewy melody line, accentuating the fuller sound and flexible elocution. Another pop reinvention, “A Time For Love” utilizes a breezy cadence with lush inflection and melodic flow. Jamal executes gentle finger-snapping runs with soulful timing. As described in the liner notes, “Swahililand” is compelling, with a vivid, exotic musical tapestry. There are moments of muscular funkiness and grooves, with exhilarating flourishes.
Ahmad Jamal At The Jazz Showcase:Live In Chicago is another important contribution to jazz restoration. It is on a par with the previously issued Emerald City Nights – Live At The Penthouse 1965-1966 albums. The re-mastered sound (Matthew Lutthans/The Mastering Lab) is sourced from Joe Segal’s original masters. It is clear and quieter than typical live recordings. There is an informative 8-page booklet with session information, photographs and interviews with Fred Hersch, Wayne Segal, Stu Katz and Eugene Holley Jr.
Highly recommended!
—Robbie Gerson
Ahmad Jamal At The Jazz Showcase: Live In Chicago
TrackList:
Side A: Ahmad’s Song; Wave
Side B: Have You Met Miss Jones?; Theme From M*A*S*H
Side C: Dolphin Dance; Prelude To A Kiss; A Time For Love
Side D: Swahililand; A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square.
