Ahmad Jamal at SF JAZZ: 2019
Ahmad Jamal turned 89 in 2019, but his playing remained vital, creative, and forward-looking. Seeing him at SF JAZZ meant witnessing living history, a pianist whose career spans from bebop era through contemporary jazz, who influenced Miles Davis and countless others, and who continues finding new ideas after seven decades of professional performance.
The Influence
Miles Davis repeatedly cited Jamal as major influence, particularly praising his use of space and dynamics. Where many bebop pianists filled every moment with notes, Jamal understood that silence and restraint could be as powerful as activity. This approach revolutionized how jazz musicians thought about rhythm, space, and dynamics.
His trio recordings from the 1950s, particularly "Live at the Pershing: But Not for Me," became essential listening for jazz musicians. The way Jamal created tension and release, how he used the full dynamic range, and his rhythmic sophistication influenced entire generations.
The Pittsburgh School
Jamal emerged from Pittsburgh alongside other innovative pianists like Erroll Garner, Mary Lou Williams, and Billy Strayhorn. The city's jazz scene emphasized sophisticated harmonic thinking and individuality over conformity to New York bebop orthodoxy.
This background allowed Jamal to develop distinctive voice rather than becoming competent imitator of Bud Powell or Art Tatum. His approach to harmony, rhythm, and structure came from different place than mainstream bebop.
The Use of Space
What makes Jamal's playing distinctive is what he doesn't play as much as what he does. The spaces between phrases, the dynamic contrasts, and the rhythmic variety create music that breathes rather than relentlessly pushing forward.
This requires profound confidence. Lesser musicians fill space because silence makes them nervous. Jamal understands that strategic silence creates anticipation, emphasizes what comes after, and gives listeners room to absorb what they're hearing.
The Trio Format
Jamal has worked primarily in piano trio format (piano, bass, drums) throughout his career. This configuration provides perfect balance of structure and freedom. The intimate communication between three skilled musicians creates spontaneous music within supportive framework.
His trios have featured various bassists and drummers over decades, but the fundamental approach remains consistent. The piano leads but doesn't dominate; the rhythm section provides foundation but contributes melodically and dynamically.
Evolution Across Decades
Remarkably, Jamal hasn't become nostalgic act repeating his 1950s success. He's continued recording and evolving, incorporating orchestral elements, electronic keyboards, and contemporary rhythmic approaches while maintaining his distinctive musical personality.
This ongoing development demonstrates that jazz musicians can age gracefully by staying curious rather than calcifying into self-parody. Jamal at 89 was still exploring, still finding new ideas, still growing artistically.
SF JAZZ Appropriateness
SF JAZZ provides ideal venue for artist of Jamal's stature. The acoustics serve acoustic piano beautifully, the sight lines allow audiences to see his hands, and the listening-room atmosphere encourages attention to detail.
The venue's programming regularly features jazz's living legends alongside emerging artists, creating dialogue between generations and acknowledging jazz as living tradition rather than museum piece.
The Verdict
Ahmad Jamal at SF JAZZ in 2019 demonstrated how master musician can remain vital and creative deep into their ninth decade. His playing carried wisdom of seventy years' experience while maintaining curiosity and forward momentum.
If you believe jazz history matters but shouldn't constrain current practice, if piano played with sophistication and restraint appeals to you, if witnessing living legends while they're still performing interests you, Jamal delivered irreplaceable experience.
Thank you for seven decades of musical innovation and for showing that creativity and curiosity can persist throughout an entire lifetime.