The Ahmad Jamal Trio

When Ahmad Jamal creates his first trio, he seems to refer to Nat King Cole. However, very quickly, Ahmad appropriates the structure of the trio, he seems to find the space that suits him: "I tried every combination imaginable, but the trio is what is more demanding. It is very difficult to get a trio orchestral sound, but we do it because I think orchestrally. The trio offers me a lot of space. I can play solo, duet with the bass player or with the drums. My challenge is to play at the highest level. I am trying to create a state that makes sense, musically speaking. The audition of Ahmad Jamal trios denotes a great economy of means as well as an important work on the dynamics: it is frequent that the trio reaches a climax with a very low sound volume. Jamal has frequently explained on this subject: Anyone can play hard, but it is much more difficult to play softly while keeping the same groove as playing fortissimo. Today, the "sound" of Ahmad Jamal in his unique style is that of the trio: No musician has influenced the orchestral approach of small bands over the last 35 years. Ahmad Jamal. Jamal is probably with Oscar Peterson and Bill Evans one of the most influential trio leaders of modern jazz.