It is announced that piano great Ahmad Jamal died earlier today 16 April 2023 at the age of 92.
The first tribute we have seen is from France-Musique’s Alex Dutilh:
“An immeasurable sadness. Suddenly, the fragrances jostle in the mind, the immense joys he gave us throughout his seven-decade career, through his singular “aesthetics of desire”, his staging of silences, his art of suspense, his way of playing in a quartet as much as the piano…
A giant has just passed away a few hours ago, at his home, at 1.57pm on 16 April. He was 92 years old. He was my grandfather in heart and mind. Ahmad Jamal, I love you forever.”
Born Pittsburgh, PA (as Frederick Russell Jones), July 2, 1930. Died Lakeview, CT, 16 April 2023. In sadness.
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LINKS: Artist page, biography and awards – at Ellora Management
LINKS:
Monday 17 April’s broadcast of Radio France in memory of Ahmad Jamal
Guardian obituary by John Fordham
Nate Chinen’s tribute – “the power of refusal“
Live review by Geoff Winston from 2013
Live review by Sebastian from 2014
Album review of Emerald City Nights by Andrew Cartmel
Categories: News
Rest in Peace my Dear Friend I never met, Thank you for all the Joy.
Very sad news—his was an extraordinary contribution.
Immense sadness and loss. His pianistic and personal grace had the touch of the Divine and to hear him play was (is) a blessing. Thank you, Ahmad, for touching my life.
Thanks for everything. You are & will always be, my first search in the vinyl jazz section.
Extra Ordinary in every sense of the word. Rest well musician, job well done.
Warm memories of meeting and interviewing this tremendously gifted and affable gentleman at the Tabarka Jazz Festival in 2006.
His measured and innovative use of space in compositions and playing has left an indelible mark in jazz music.
Ars Longa, Vita Brevis.
Uno de mis favoritos . Lo presumí mucho con : when you wish upon a star( mi favorita)