The Legendary Okeh & Epic Sessions

This collection brings together the early OKeh and Epic recordings of innovative jazz pianist Ahmad Jamal, recorded between 1951 and 1955. Jamal ushered in a new era of melodic improvisation that stood in sharp contrast to bebop's previous innovations. These recordings were all done in trio settings, where the pianist was accompanied by guitarist Ray Crawford, and either Eddie Calhoun (1951 and 1952) or Israel Crosby on bass. The shimmering solos and light as a feather chord voicings are anything but lightweight. Sharp, harmonic invention, economical yet intuitive phrasing, and a deft sense of time pushed Jamal's star to ascendancy. Standout cuts here are his "Surrey with the Fringe on Top," which extrapolates the melody into new harmonic terrain; the beautiful arrangement of the traditional "Billy Boy"; Fats Waller's "Squeeze Me" with its beautiful ostinato, and Jamal's glorious read of "Perfidia." The sound on this set is gloriously remastered. There are period liner notes by Nat Hentoff, and a moving and appreciative essay by Randy Weston. (www.allmusic.com)

1. The Surrey With The Fringe On Top - Album Version
2. Will You Still Be Mine - Album Version
3. Ahmad's Blues - Album Version
4. A Gal In Calico - Album Version
5. Aki And Ukthay - Album Version
6. Billy Boy - Album Version
7. Black Beauty - Album Version
8. Love For Sale - Album Version
9. Something To Remember You By - Album Version
10. Poinciana - Album Version
11. Don't Blame Me - Album Version
12. Autumn Leaves - Album Version
13. They Can't Take That Away From Me - Album Version
14. Old Devil Moon - Album Version
15. It's Easy To Remember - Album Version
16. Squeeze Me - Album Version
17. Crazy He Calls Me - Album Version
18. Pavanne - Album Version
19. Perfidia - Album Version
20. Rica Pulpa - Album Version
21. The Donkey Serenade - Album Version