Ahmad Jamal

Blue Moon Jazz Village****

Rather than the model of permanent musical revolution – favoured, for instance, by Miles Davis, who cited him as a major influence – legendary pianist Ahmad Jamal has been polishing the same jewel for six decades now. And still it shines. Repeated motifs and vamps, mined from the initial melody, form the basis for his spare, almost minimalist improvisations; as if he is interrogating the tune until it gives up its secrets. Blue Moon,which mixes much- loved standards, including a mesmerising version of the title tune, with some excellent new originals, gloriously recalls Jamal's classic albums for Chess in the 1950s, even if some of the grooves owe more to hip-hop than be-bop. With support from Wynton Marsalis alumni Reginald Veal and Herlin Riley, and an extra dimension added by percussionist Manolo Badrena, the pianist proves that his ability to find the truth buried in a tune is as finely honed as it ever was. ahmadjamal.net