At the Pershing, Vol. 2
Ahmad Jamal · 1961
36 min · 11 tracks · jazz
A vibrant tapestry of intricate melodies and subtle rhythms that showcase Jamal's innovative approach to jazz.
Top tracks — play these first
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Too Late Now Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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My Funny Valentine — Jamal's interpretation of this classic stands out for its delicate phrasing and emotional depth, showcasing his ability to transform standards into intimate experiences.
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All the Things You Are — This track exemplifies Jamal’s skillful interplay between melody and harmony, highlighting his innovative arrangement techniques that breathe new life into well-known compositions.
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Cherokee — The performance of this challenging bebop standard demonstrates Jamal's virtuosity and rhythmic complexity, marking a high point in the album that illustrates his technical prowess.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album features intricate melodies and strong arrangements that showcase Jamal's innovative jazz style.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of syncopated rhythms, particularly in the piano lines, which create a lively interplay with the bass and drums.
- Each track typically showcases a different standard, allowing for varied interpretations while maintaining a cohesive sound throughout.
- The arrangements often include extended solos that highlight Jamal's improvisational skills, with several tracks exceeding five minutes.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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7/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady melodic exploration
- intimate evening listening
- thoughtful improvisational moments
- warm background ambiance
- short reflective sessions
Maybe skip if you
- prefer fast-paced tracks
- seek high-energy performances
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — This album solidified Jamal's influence and commercial success following his earlier breakthrough.
- Themes
- Chicago jazz scene· intimate performances· melodic innovation
- Career context
- At the Pershing, Vol. 2 was released in 1961, during a prolific period for Ahmad Jamal following his breakout success with At The Pershing: But Not For Me in 1958. This album further solidified his reputation as a leading figure in cool jazz, featuring his unique piano style and arrangements that captivated audiences and critics alike.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Cecil Taylor· Oscar Peterson
Tracklist
- 1 Too Late Now Start here 2:30
- 2 All the Things You Are 3:13
- 3 Cherokee 3:39
- 4 It Might as Well Be Spring 3:27
- 5 I'll Remember April 2:41
- 6 My Funny Valentine 3:25
- 7 Gone With the Wind 3:24
- 8 Billy Boy 3:00
- 9 It's You or No One 2:30
- 10 They Can't Take That Away From Me 4:45
- 11 Poor Butterfly 3:39
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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