Ahmad Jamal's style has become more extroverted and virtuosic since his early days in the 1950s, and his performances with his trio are often more dramatic. However the pianist is still a master at using space and dynamics, interacting closely with his sidemen, and creating music that builds slowly in intensity. His Paris concert from 1992 is an excellent example of his more recent work.
Jamal, who takes "Easy Living" and a relatively brief "Look for the Silver Lining" as unaccompanied solo features and plays quite melodically on
Erroll Garner's "Dreamy" (the only piece on which he utilizes bassist
Todd Coolman and drummer
Gordon Lane), otherwise leads one of his finest trios. Bassist James Cammach (an underrated master) and drummer
David Bowler listen to
Jamal very closely and, even on a complicated medley of "Alone Together," "Laura" and "Wild Is the Wind," they do not miss a cue. Recommended. ~ Scott Yanow