Released in 1995, this standout album from Ahmad Jamal arrived like a jolt of fresh air at a time when jazz was weighed down by imitation and conservatism. Where many young players were busy cloning the greats — Tyner, Evans, Hancock — Jamal offered something utterly his own.
After a pair of underwhelming Telarc releases in the early ’90s, Jamal returned reinvigorated, delivering what may be his strongest album of the decade. Backed by trusted collaborators James Cammack, Jamil Nasser, and Idris Muhammad, he plays with remarkable ease and clarity, echoing the deep musical chemistry he once shared with Israel Crosby and Vernell Fournier.
The session also features a welcome reunion with percussionist Manolo Badrena and a standout guest appearance from tenor saxophonist George Coleman, whose storied résumé includes time with Max Roach, Chet Baker, and Miles Davis.
Jamal’s playing is characteristically sharp — rhythmically bold, dynamically rich, and filled with sudden turns and silences. It’s a masterclass in tension and release, and a reminder of why his sound remains so unmistakable, so enduring.