This 2cd/dvd capsule of pianist Ahmad Jamal with Yusef Lateef confirms my theory about jazz artists. Unlike artists from classical music or rock, jazz musicians get better and better as they age, adding soul and veritas to their sound and delivery, right up to the day they finally enter their eternal reward. Oh, some dissipate a bit at the very end, but that just adds to their art form. Yusef was at the prime age of 93 when he joined up with the young buck octogenarian Ahmad Jamal for a show at L’Olympia, Paris in June of 2012. What a show!
Jamal was on tour with his cooking quartet of Reginald Veal/b, Herlin Riley/dr and Manolo Badrena/perc as he mixes tunes from his then most recent album (Blue Moon) with some classics. The simmering grooves of “Autumn Rain,” “This is the Life” and the hypnotic “Blue Moon” support like a rice pilaf the tasty and flavorful touch of Jamal’s digits on the ivories. Uninfluenced by anyone, his unique style is patented and never even attempted to be imitated by anyone out there these days. Simply some of the most wondrous sounds you’ll hear from the piano.
Up comes Lateef with his agonizing tenor as he moans over the rhythm section on “ Exatogi” and then takes you on the gospel train as he sings like he’s delivering the sermon of his life on ”Trouble In Mind” and “Brother Hold Your Light.” And, only in jazz-passionate Paris would the audience spontaneously applaud at the opening tinklings of “Poinciana” and then clap a 1-3 European rhythm to perfect complement of thedrums and percussion. When Lateef ambles on stage to join the scene, sonic heaven is touched. I don’t know what else you’re looking for in music, but if you don’t find it here, you might want to take up Impressionistic Water Colors. A disc for the ages.
Jazz Village Harmonia Mundi