This undeservedly underrated album is a welcome, although rather expensive re-master. For me, it is well worth the wait, being an avid Jamal fan. I have an old mono lp that doesn't have near the superior sound reproduction this cd does.
This album is rather unique in that the string ensemble is supportive rather than dominant or even intrusive as is often the case with similar efforts. Joe Kennedy has done a masterful arranging effort on these tunes. It is almost like the strings are in conversation with Jamal's piano. You get everything from up tempo romps like "Comme Ci, Comme" and "Tangerine" to ballads like Sophisticated Gentleman and even a bolero beat on "Ivy". And is there drummer past or present who lay down a bolero beat like Vernel Fourniere could?
The re-mastering is superior and is in stereo with the most ideal instrument separation imaginable (in my opinion, of course). You get the piano in the middle, bass on the left, drums on the right and the string ensemble separated throughout the full spectrum. I've never heard Israel Crosby this clearly before and I spend considerable time just digging his great bass lines. He was truly a master bassist.
The album is a virtual mini LP with cardboard style jacket and all original liner notes. There is no indication the album is in stereo, but it is!
You don't have to be a Jamal fan to love this album. It is, just simply, very good music. My only significant gripe is that the album is only barely 28 minutes long and Ahmad's solos are therefor very short on most tracks. There are no bonus tracks. Those exceptions along with the price keep me from giving this package more than four stars.
Nevertheless, in spite of the price, I consider this unique cd no brainer recommendation.
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Jamal at the Penthouse / Count 'Em 88 by AHMAD JAMAL (2010-05-11)
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Product details
- Date First Available : August 5, 2017
- ASIN : B01MDSOYPT
- Customer Reviews:
Customer reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
6 global ratings
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on January 28, 2007
4 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on May 13, 2009
Pricey, Pricey collectors only!
Unless you're REALLY serious about Ahmad Jamal's "At The Penthouse", try to beg or borrow this album/CD from someone. Having bought the original LP in 1959, I wasn't deterred in the least about the price because I knew that I was getting one of his best recordings he'd ever done. His version of "Ivy" alone is worth it all. Listening to Joe Kennedy's strings is a distraction on some tunes. But one can hear why Miles loved this guys approach to standards and originals so much. Enjoy.
Unless you're REALLY serious about Ahmad Jamal's "At The Penthouse", try to beg or borrow this album/CD from someone. Having bought the original LP in 1959, I wasn't deterred in the least about the price because I knew that I was getting one of his best recordings he'd ever done. His version of "Ivy" alone is worth it all. Listening to Joe Kennedy's strings is a distraction on some tunes. But one can hear why Miles loved this guys approach to standards and originals so much. Enjoy.
3 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 6, 2016
Jamal remains one of the lights of jazz and this hard to find release took me 40 years to locate after losing the vinyl album.
Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on December 12, 2009
I bought this album while visiting Paris last summer, and can't disassociate it from the charms of that city. That said, what could be more sublime than an Ahmad Jamal 50s session with the addition of delicate strings? Do yourself a favor and buy this vastly underrated classic.
5 people found this helpful
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Reviewed in the United States 🇺🇸 on March 1, 2006
Long overdue, this classic Jamal recording is superlative. Its timeless arrangements make it as fresh today as it was in 1959, when it was far ahead of its time. Understated elegance at its best.
One person found this helpful
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