Ahmad Jamal’s The Awakening
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INTRO
Ladies and gentlemen of the ever-evolving realm of vinyl collecting, I've recently acquired Ahmad Jamal's masterful opus, "The Awakening," at a price that's simply too good to pass up. Join me on this audio journey as we explore the question of whether this acquisition is a gem or a gaffe.
For four long years, I diligently pursued this record, only to watch its market value soar. But in April 2023, my patience was rewarded in spades.
Should you, like me, opt for one of these newly affordable copies of "The Awakening" or splurge on the exorbitant sums often attached to earlier pressings on platforms like Discogs or Ebay? Let's embark on this audiophile adventure together and uncover the answer.
The Personnel
"The Awakening" features a lean yet potent ensemble:
This trio, led by Jamal, presents a captivating synergy, with drummer Frank Gant boasting a solid history of collaboration with Jamal and artists like Yusef Lateef and Sonny Stitt. Bassist Jamil Nasser, with a staggering 17 Ahmad Jamal records to his name by the time "The Awakening" was recorded, holds an impressive resume that extends to working with the likes of Gene Ammons, Eric Dolphy, and Lou Donaldson. Their profound musical kinship shines brightly on “The Awakening”.
The Music
"The Awakening" was recorded in February of 1970 and unleashed that same year, produced by the legendary Ed Michel. The track-list weaves together compositions from luminaries like Herbie Hancock, Oliver Nelson, and Jamal himself, forming a seamless, cohesive soundscape.
The album's opening salvo, "The Awakening," a Jamal original, is a beautifully understated, bluesy gem. It effortlessly sets the tone for the auditory journey that follows.
The second track, well, it harbors some surprises best left for you to discover, nestled within Jamal's iconic piano work. Deceptively simple rhythms provide the canvas for Jamal's remarkable jazz tapestry. Moments like these are a testament to why Ahmad Jamal stands at the zenith of jazz pianists.
Side one culminates with "Patterns," another Jamal composition, unique and exhilarating. The sheer magic these three musicians conjure is nothing short of astonishing.
Side two opens with Herbie Hancock's "Dolphin Dance," where Jamal's rendition does the original justice. A well-known tune, Oliver Nelson's "Stolen Moments," follows, and Jamal's interpretation is an absolute triumph.
The final track, "Wave," penned by Antonio Carlos Jobim, brings a touch of bossanova into the jazz realm. Jamal's interpretation is a splendid fusion of these musical worlds, a delightful conclusion to this sonic odyssey.
HIGHLIGHTS
"The Awakening" is a tour de force from start to finish. Ahmad Jamal's prowess as a pianist is on full display, and the two Jamal originals are absolute five-star gems. In the words of the esteemed jazz critic Leonard Feather, "Ahmad Jamal is one of the most pianistic of pianists." A sentiment I wholeheartedly endorse.
The Pressing
Presentation-wise, this edition features a commendable gatefold and 180g vinyl, though I must admit it arrives in a paper sleeve. However, with my vinyl hygiene practices, this isn't a deal-breaker. A quick swap for an anti-static inner sleeve is always a wise move.
Regarding the mastering, it doesn't warrant the critical lambasting some reviews have offered. While it may not be a beacon of dynamic range, it certainly isn't plagued by distortion or excessive compression. In my estimation, the sound quality is comparable to the high-resolution digital files I've encountered. Unfortunately, I can't compare it to an original pressing, but for the price, it more than meets my expectations. Not quite a Tone Poet, mind you, but perfectly satisfying. The album is manufactured at Third Man Pressing in Detroit, MI, on audiophile-quality vinyl. Some will avoid this reissue based on that fact alone.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In conclusion, "The Awakening" is a must-listen for enthusiasts of exceptional jazz piano. Every performer is at the peak of their artistry, especially Ahmad Jamal. The two Jamal compositions alone are worth the price of admission. The fact that this album is once again accessible at a reasonable cost, without compromising sound quality, is a significant victory for audiophiles and collectors alike.
