Ahmad Jamal, the legendary jazz pianist, passed away on April 16, 2023 at the age of 92. His music career spanned over seven decades, during which he established himself as one of the most influential jazz pianists of all time.

We’ve put together a tribute mix honoring Ahmad Jamal's career featuring a selection of his greatest compositions and performances, showcasing his unique style and lasting influence on the world of jazz music.

Stream

Download

Born in Pittsburgh in 1930, Ahmad Jamal began his music career as a child prodigy, performing at local clubs and parties. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s, when he recorded a series of groundbreaking albums that combined traditional jazz with innovative improvisation and unique arrangements.

Jamal's signature style was characterized by his use of space and dynamics, as well as his incorporation of world music elements. Jamal was a jazz innovator known for his minimalistic and restrained playing, which laid the groundwork for “cool jazz.” He is perhaps best known for his arrangement of the jazz standard “Poinciana,” which appears on his best-selling 1958 album, At the Pershing: But Not for Me, and the 1970 Ahmad Jamal Trio album The Awakening.

In addition to his prolific recording career, Ahmad Jamal was also a renowned live performer, touring extensively throughout his career. He played with some of the most important figures in jazz, including Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and Art Blakey.

Jamal's contributions to jazz music have been widely recognized and honored over the years. He was inducted into the DownBeat Hall of Fame, received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, and was named a National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.

Ahmad Jamal's death is a great loss to the world of jazz and music in general. His music will continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians to come.

He will be remembered as a true pioneer and innovator in the field of jazz piano, and his legacy will live on through his timeless recordings and the countless musicians he has inspired.

TRACKLIST

1. The Awakening The Awakening 1970

2. Darn That Dream Chamber Music of the New Jazz 1955

3. Autumn Leaves The Essence, Pt. 1 1995

4. Stolen Moments The Awakening 1970

5. Dolphin Dance The Awakening 1970

6. Marseille (feat Abd Al Malik) Marseille 2017

7. New Rhumba (Miles Davis version) Miles Ahead 1957

8. But Not For Me Live at The Pershing, Chicago 1958

9. Poinciana Live at The Pershing, Chicago 1958

10. I Love Music The Awakening 1970

11. Swahililand Crystal 1987 

12. Perfidia The Legendary Okeh & Epic Recordings 2005

13. Manhattan Reflections After Fajr 2005

14. Ahmad’s Blues Poinciana 1959

15. Extensions Live at Montreux Jazz Festival, 1971 (excerpt)