Ahmad Jamal
Marseille
Album · Jazz · 2017
Jazz innovator Ahmad Jamal has never stopped refining the spacious, imaginative ensemble style that once heavily influenced Miles Davis. His clear and vibrant keyboard touch—and the surpassingly subtle backing of bassist James Cammack, drummer Herlin Riley, and percussionist Manolo Badrena—makes Marseille a fine and representative effort. No one can lay down a vamp like Jamal, or illustrate how a simple groove can buoy an entire arrangement. Guest vocals (in French) come from Abd al Malik and Mina Agossi.