“Poinciana” by Ahmad Jamal

As I road my bike around the crowds during this year’s Rochester International Jazz Festival I couldn’t help but think of how many of my favorite musicians have passed away. I know it’s a somber thought and the beautiful genre we all love will continue on. I also know this festival and others like it are important cultural celebrations and should be supported and cherished, but it’s truly hard for me not to think of the wonderful composers and players we’ve lost and are unable to see again. C'est la vie, I guess.

Thankfully, Ahmad Jamal continues to record and perform, and he was surely missed at this year’s festival. As most of you already know, he was highly influential in helping to create the “Cool Jazz” movement, combining both traditional American Jazz and European Classical approaches to the instrument. I still consider him one of the greatest pianists within the genre and have adored his playing ever since my mother introduced me to his work.

Jamal’s version of Nat Simon’s “Poinciana” was recorded live in 1958 at the Lounge of Chicago's Pershing Hotel, and showcases not only Jamal’s wonderful playing but the fantastic talents of Israel Crosby (bass) and Vernel Fournier (drums). It was and still is considered a “dance” classic and a great introductory piece for anyone new to Jazz. The album helped to define the classic “trio” and transformed his career, and even though At the Pershing: But Not for Me was originally panned by critics as “Cocktail Jazz,” it is now considered an all-time classic.
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Mr. Jamal, please come back to Rochester, we still and will always love you.