Listen To The Ahmad Jamal Quintet

Listen To The Ahmad Jamal Quintet
Arrangements by Joe Kennedy
Cover: Don Bronstein
Engineer: Ron Malto
Supervision: Jack Tracy
Argo LP 673
Chess Producing Corp. - Chicago, Illinois
1961

Available from online vendors so I will not be posting a sample. Presented here to share the cover art and jacket notes excerpts.

From the back cover: Ahman has sold a schmillion LPs as the head man of a trio that long has included Israel Crosby on bass and Vernell Fournier on drums. Why, then, add violin and guitar strings to what has been an essentially percussive and artistically and financial successful combination?

For the ample reason that there is more than one way to say a thing, more than one volume or tone of voice. Everyone knows Ahmad Jamal has something to say musically. Herewith he embellishes his message without losing the simplicity and sense of understatement that zoomed him up the ladder at an amazing rate of speed.

Ahmad's piano, Israel's bass and Vernell's drums greet the violin or Joe Kennedy and the guitar of Ray Crawford, and you can hear them assert (in naval parlance): "Happy to have you aboard!"

The newcomers to the ensemble (and please let's not start calling it the Ahmad Jamal trio plus two) join the same group gracefully. They are not obtrusive and they aren't bashful either. You'll hear them lurking in the background much of the time. When it's their turn to take the tiller, they step into poised if momentary command.

Jamal devotees many find Ahmad has put more impact and a richer flavor than usual into this first record session with a five some, and they're likely to agree that the added strings are a worthwhile experiment. The youthful veteran continues to be a musician who speaks softy but carries a subtle wallop.

These are not just many tunes in one mood, with a few at different tempo stuck in for contrast. They're a package filled with variety – bright or brooding; racy or reflective, carefree or cautious.

From Billboard - May 6, 1961: Ahmad Jamal has had much success in the past in breaking through the pop barrier, with singles and even LPs, this one is much more on a moody, reflective jazz kick. Beyond that, the normal Jamal Trio has been neatly augmented by the addition of violin and guitar (Joe Kennedy and Ray Crawford respectively). These lads add much in the way of harmony and ensemble sound as well as confident soloing and contribute to the breath of the jazz feeling. There's a Jamal original, plus things like "Baia," "Lover Man," "Hallelujah," etc. Good variety well played.

Ahmad's Waltz
Valentina
Yesterdays
Tempo For Two
Hallelujah
It's A Wonderful World
Baia
You Came A Long Way From St. Louis
Lover Man
Who Cares