I Remember Duke, Hoagy & Strayhorn

Rating

Album: I Remember Duke, Hoagy & Strayhorn
#	Song Title		Time
1)	My Flower	More Info...	0:02
2)	I Got It Bad	More Info...	0:05
3)	In a Sentimental Mood	More Info...	0:09
4)	Ruby	More Info...	0:06
5)	Don't You Know I Care	More Info...	0:04
6)	Prelude to a Kiss	More Info...	0:04
7)	Do Nothing 'Till You Hear from Me	More Info...	0:06
8)	Chelsea Bridge	More Info...	0:04
9)	I Remember Hoagy	More Info...	0:04
10)	Skylark	More Info...	0:04
11)	Never Let Me Go	More Info...	0:04
12)	Goodbye	More Info...	0:06

Album: I Remember Duke, Hoagy & Strayhorn
#	Song Title		Time
1)	My Flower	More Info...	0:02
2)	I Got It Bad	More Info...	0:05
3)	In a Sentimental Mood	More Info...	0:09
4)	Ruby	More Info...	0:06
5)	Don't You Know I Care	More Info...	0:04
6)	Prelude to a Kiss	More Info...	0:04
7)	Do Nothing 'Till You Hear from Me	More Info...	0:06
8)	Chelsea Bridge	More Info...	0:04
9)	I Remember Hoagy	More Info...	0:04
10)	Skylark	More Info...	0:04
11)	Never Let Me Go	More Info...	0:04
12)	Goodbye	More Info...	0:06

Performer Notes

Personnel: Ahmad Jamal (piano); Ephriam Wolfolk (bass); Arti Dixon (drums).
Ahmad Jamal, in paying tribute to Duke Ellington, Billy Strayhorn, and Hoagy Carmichael, performs nearly every selection on this CD at a very slow tempo. Or at least his sidemen do, since the pianist often plays double-time lines, witty quotes from other songs, and occasional violent outbursts. In general, the music is quite thoughtful and subtle, with plenty of surprising ideas and unusual turns. Carmichael gets stiffed a bit (just two songs counting the "Stardust"-inspired "I Remember Hoagy") and a couple of numbers are departures from the theme (including "My Flower," "Never Let Me Go," and "Goodbye"), but most of the melodies come from the Ellington/Strayhorn songbook. Throughout, Ahmad Jamal (with the assistance of bassist Ephriam Wolfolk and drummer Arti Dixson) shows that he can sound relaxed, alert, and swinging at the slowest of paces, making this a set deserving (and perhaps needing) several listens to appreciate fully. ~ Scott Yanow

Professional Reviews

Down Beat (9/96, p.51) - 4 Stars - Very Good - "...Jamal's poetry at the keyboard resonates with expected beauty and expression."

JazzTimes (6/95, p.91) - "...[Jamal] is in command of one of the most disciplined trios in all music..."

Jazziz (6/95, p.94) - "...a dignified collection of unique lyrical interpretations....while Jamal's technique is impeccable, his interpretations, particularly on the ballads, are what elevate this above the usual tribute fair....deceptively serene, joyful, and ultimately captivating."