This page contains a brief overview on the album AHMAD JAMAL: Ahmad Jamal with the Assai Quartet. Learn more about the artist and explore the track lists and website. If you find any information that needs to be corrected, please let us know.

 
SPECIAL NOTE: You can see a great 10-minute PBS video at:
http://www.davidmillsmusic.com/video.htm
or click on the Ahmad Jamal Web Site link (below left)

AHMAD JAMAL WITH THE ASSAI QUARTET is Ahmad Jamal's first outing with a string quartet.

The five compositions are presented in the order they were written, and one can hear a progression.

Ahmad begins with the string quartet phrasing as a single instrument set against the jazz trio (piano-bass-drums).

By the fourth piece, "Patouche" Ahmad defers to the quartet by opening with solo violin, and later has the strings dominate the 7/4 rhythm while the drums and piano splash in and out with color.

The conclusion, "A Short Piece" is performed by the string quartet alone, and in the Ellington tradition, there is an individualized solo for each player.

POTS EN VERRE is a suite of solo piano improvisations recorded on the Steinway grand in Ahmad's living room. As spontaneous compositions, this suite is a perfect complement to the suite with the string quartet.

EVERYBODY KNOWS is a torch song written by David Mills, the producer.

Suzanne Lefevre, the Assai violist, told Ahmad she always fantasized about singing jazz in a nightclub. Ahmad helped her capture that feel on her viola.

The recording is live, and if you listen carefully, you will hear Ahmad say, "Are you ready Suzanne?"

Check out the artist's website:
http://www.davidmillsmusic.com/video.htm

Track List:
1. Temple Court
2. Comp Time
3. Feast
4. Patouche
5. A Short Piece
6. Pots En Verre - No. 1
7. Pots En Verre - No. 2
8. Pots En Verre - No. 3
9. Pots En Verre - No. 4
10. Everybody Knows

Suggested CDs:

• Laura Caviani

Other Genres:

• JAZZ: World Fusion
• CLASSICAL: Contemporary
• TYPE: INSTRUMENTAL