On Pittsburgh, an ambitious tribute to his late mother and his hometown,
Ahmad Jamal enlists the help of Chicago-based arranger Richard Evans --
a more familiar presence in soul-jazz's '60s heyday than in 1989, alas
-- to decorate five of his compositions and Jimmy Heath's "Mellowdrama,"
while soloing alone on two others. While Jamal can summon forth all of
the bravura resources of his piano technique on pieces like "Foolish
Ways" and "Divertimento," he often chooses economy instead, relying on
the trademark ostinatos of his rhythm section (James Cammack on bass;
David Bowler on drums) for momentum. Evans' orchestrations, always
elegant and lean, fit like gloves onto Jamal's compositions, enhancing
rather than intruding, often following the contours of the melodic
lines. This CD has captured both the character and the shaping hand of
Jamal and the distinct sound of Evans, and they are a perfect match in
this at-times-exquisite piece of work. Richard S. Ginell
Tracklist :
1. Pittsburgh 7:02
Ahmad Jamal
2. Bellows 8:50
Ahmad Jamal
3. Mellowdrama 6:38
Jimmy Heath
4. Foolish Ways 3:35
Ahmad Jamal
5. Divertimento 5:17
Ahmad Jamal
6. Cycles 8:08
Ahmad Jamal
7. Fly Away 7:25
Ahmad Jamal
8. Apple Avenue 5:33
Ahmad Jamal
Credits :
Ahmad Jamal - Piano
James Cammack - Bass
David Bowler - Drums
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