Ahmad Jamal: But Not for Me
Musicians:
Ahmad Jamal (piano), Israel Crosby (bass), Vernel Fournier (drums).
Composed by George & Ira Gershwin
.Recorded: Chicago, January 16-17, 1958
Rating: 100/100 (learn more)
One of the slickest things about this arrangement of “But Not For Me” is that it defines Ahmad Jamal’s subtleties. In the trio, each guy is doing something very specific, but you don’t think you’re listening to an arrangement—you’re just enjoying the ride. When Ahmad Jamal improvises on a form, he’s constantly playing over the barline—he’s not strictly defining the top and end of a form, but completely easing across it musically, making for an entity versus a series of choruses. You don’t think about keys or tempos or modulations or time signatures or anything like that. Another slick thing about the piece is that super-hip modulation at the top of the last chorus, where he slides right from C-major (his favorite key) into F-major. For years, I didn’t even realize that he had modulated.
Reviewer: Eric Reed
If you liked this track, also check out
Ahmad Jamal: Autumn Leaves
Ahmad Jamal: Poinciana
Keith Jarrett: Poinciana
Related Links
The Dozens: Twelve Essential Ahmad Jamal Performances by Eric Reed
Ahmad Jamal’s ‘Poinciana’ Turns 50 Today by Ted Gioia
Tags: but not for me · gershwin covers · piano trio
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