Ahmad Jamal - Jamalca
Product Information
Track List: Jamalca
Yahoo! Shoppers Who Viewed This Item Also Viewed:
More Ahmad Jamal CDs and Albums
Album Details: Jamalca
- Release Date:
- 08/01/1974
- UPC:
User Reviews: Jamalca
-
Easy listening Classic from the 1970s
, July 21, 2006Reviewer: slobow2000 - See all slobow2000's reviews
read all (1) user reviews for Jamalca
Pro Reviews: Jamalca
| EXPERT RATING: From AMG Reviews Released in 1974, Jamalca is a far cry from Ahmad Jamal's classic trio recordings from the 1950s but in line with his other early 70s releases. In fact, it has a strong early 70s vibe in general, in terms of both the arrangements which feature Blaxploitationtinged strings, anonymous female background singers, and the occasional flute and the repertoire, which includes such thencurrent numbers as Thom Bell's "Ghetto Child," Marvin Gaye's "Trouble Man," and the Johnny Mandelpenned " MASH Theme" (also known as "Suicide Is Painless," and a tune that was covered by several other jazz musicians during this era, including Bill Evans, Paul Desmond, and Jimmy Smith ). Jamal himself splits time between Fender Rhodes and acoustic piano and showcases his usual taste and elegance throughout, despite occasionally being overwhelmed by easylistening strings and obtrusive background vocals. This is essentially a crossover album, and while it is dated, it is still enjoyable in spots. Highlights include the breezy "Misdemeanor," the chipper (if somewhat goofy) title track, and the MASH theme, which stays on just the right side of the cocktaillounge backgroundmusic line. At this point, the potential audience for this album will consist more of cratedigging raregroove enthusiasts than straightahead jazz fans, but for those in the aforementioned demographics, Jamalca is at least worth a listen. - William York, All Music Guide |
Related Artists
Similar Artists
Roots & Influences
Ahmad Jamal Biography
A sorely underexposed figure and a major influence on Miles Davis, pianist Ahmad Jamal isn't generally ranked among the all-time giants of jazz, but he impressed fellow musicians and record buyers alike with his innovative, minimalist approach. Jamal...Full Ahmad Jamal Biography
-- ©2008 All Media Guide, LLC
Pros: Soothes to no end
Cons: Not Available on CD
Hope you like orchestrations, because this album is loaded with live string performances. In particular, the track Misdemeanor (originally released by Foster Sylvers) has the strings performing the lead singing parts along with Ahmad on electronic keyboard. From start to finish, Ahmad's style is fluent on all tracks. I am partial to his acoustic piano playing on tracks like Theme Bahamas and Don't Misunderstand. My album was damaged years ago, but my luck changed when I found it in a family member's album archive. I now enjoy the entire album on CD as I have a system for recording vinyl to CD! Jamalca is a treasure from the 1970s, and anyone who can find the album will do themselves well. ...