Wonderful read, as always Todd. I used to listened to Amad Jamal all the time when I was younger, but was never in that circle where I could meet him, no less play with him. Glad to still be playing now 😂. Thanks for sharing and hoping to see you soon❤️🎶🎶🎶
“Ahmad Jamal Live at the Pershing” is required listening if one wants to understand ‘time and space’ in playing jazz. Your piece about your experience with him and your treasured remembrance is marvelous. With all the stuff flying around the Substack scene in these troubled days, this was a beautiful blossom!
Thanks, Andy. Agreed on Pershing. Yes, in times like these, we must not be distracted and should try to occasionally take a time out and smell a rose or two.
A friend turned me on to this man and his music about ten years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Mind blowing phrasing and chordal work. . genius . .
I’m with you on that. There’s talented, there’s extremely talented then there’s gifted and there are precious few of those really. Perhaps i should not have used the word “genius” for me people at that level are just otherworldly.
Beautiful. And if you don’t know it, check out a very famous recording under the leadership of clarinetist Edmund Hall called Profoundly Blue. It starts out with a fantastic bassline Israel Crosby lays down in a very relaxed and swinging manner. And since Charlie Christian is on the record, this goes way back to the very early 40s because Christian died in ‘42.
I doubt many bass players could’ve pulled off the line he does at that time the way he did.
Another note about this recording is that it’s one of only ones that exists where Charlie plays acoustic guitar instead of electric. And sounds great of course, the same kind of beautiful swinging lines and relaxed feeling.
Anyway, thank you, it was a great piece throughout - keep them coming!
I loved this so much. Thank you for your beautiful writing, stories and for sharing all of this. I hope you’ll enjoy my personal Ahmad stories, here, whenever you can. Miss him!
Thanks, Joe. I read your fantastic story. We are so fortunate to have such mentors. They stay with us for all time. I subscribed to your Substack and look forward to your posts.
Thank you, Todd! That really means a lot. We are so fortunate. I’m thrilled you’re here on Substack. I really enjoy your writing - and your playing, of course. Some of my favorite live music memories involve you and James Moody. Thank you for the sweet note today and for all of those wonderful times!
Ironically I received this email while sitting down with Sunday coffee… listening to the Ahmad Jamal Trio! Thank you for sharing this.
Also, I recently switched over to Tempera Hybrid bass strings. I have left hand challenges and they are an absolute joy to play. Easy in the joints without sacrificing sound. Your endorsement was a big reason for trying them out.
What a beautiful story! Full of unique detail, insight, and humility. This is what Substack was made for.
Thank you, Angus. I like to share my experience.
I love this version of Substack
Me too!
beautiful, thanks for sharing :)
Thanks for this great piece. Vernal Fournier was fabulous, but as a guitarist I’m still not over the trio with Ray Crawford, 😬
Also a great trio w/ Ray.
You have had a fascinating life, Todd. I am proud to be related to you.
Thank you, Delpha. It has been an interesting adventure so far and you are too kind, as usual. Hugs from us.
I had the privilege and pleasure to see Ahmad Jamal at the Cork Jazz Festival
Thanks, Michael. I’m sure it was a great experience.
Wonderful read, as always Todd. I used to listened to Amad Jamal all the time when I was younger, but was never in that circle where I could meet him, no less play with him. Glad to still be playing now 😂. Thanks for sharing and hoping to see you soon❤️🎶🎶🎶
Thanks, Larry. Yes, let’s keep playing!
That the plan. Playing in the pit for All Shook up until next Sunday
“Ahmad Jamal Live at the Pershing” is required listening if one wants to understand ‘time and space’ in playing jazz. Your piece about your experience with him and your treasured remembrance is marvelous. With all the stuff flying around the Substack scene in these troubled days, this was a beautiful blossom!
Thanks, Andy. Agreed on Pershing. Yes, in times like these, we must not be distracted and should try to occasionally take a time out and smell a rose or two.
A friend turned me on to this man and his music about ten years ago and I’ve been hooked ever since. Mind blowing phrasing and chordal work. . genius . .
Thanks for your comment. Genius is not a word I use very often lest its meaning becomes diminished. But in this case, it certainly applies.
I’m with you on that. There’s talented, there’s extremely talented then there’s gifted and there are precious few of those really. Perhaps i should not have used the word “genius” for me people at that level are just otherworldly.
Beautiful. And if you don’t know it, check out a very famous recording under the leadership of clarinetist Edmund Hall called Profoundly Blue. It starts out with a fantastic bassline Israel Crosby lays down in a very relaxed and swinging manner. And since Charlie Christian is on the record, this goes way back to the very early 40s because Christian died in ‘42.
I doubt many bass players could’ve pulled off the line he does at that time the way he did.
Another note about this recording is that it’s one of only ones that exists where Charlie plays acoustic guitar instead of electric. And sounds great of course, the same kind of beautiful swinging lines and relaxed feeling.
Anyway, thank you, it was a great piece throughout - keep them coming!
Thanks, Paul, and I will.
Your stories of life on the bandstand and the road are so great, Todd! Thank you!
Thanks, Terry. You're welcome.
I loved this so much. Thank you for your beautiful writing, stories and for sharing all of this. I hope you’ll enjoy my personal Ahmad stories, here, whenever you can. Miss him!
https://open.substack.com/pub/joealterman/p/remembering-ahmad-jamal-1930-2023?r=6coa1&utm_medium=ios
Thanks, Joe. I read your fantastic story. We are so fortunate to have such mentors. They stay with us for all time. I subscribed to your Substack and look forward to your posts.
Thank you, Todd! That really means a lot. We are so fortunate. I’m thrilled you’re here on Substack. I really enjoy your writing - and your playing, of course. Some of my favorite live music memories involve you and James Moody. Thank you for the sweet note today and for all of those wonderful times!
What an incredibly beautiful piece, Todd.
Thanks, Ed. When you know, you know.
Ironically I received this email while sitting down with Sunday coffee… listening to the Ahmad Jamal Trio! Thank you for sharing this.
Also, I recently switched over to Tempera Hybrid bass strings. I have left hand challenges and they are an absolute joy to play. Easy in the joints without sacrificing sound. Your endorsement was a big reason for trying them out.
Small world. Glad my recommendation worked to your advantage.