Crystal
Ahmad Jamal · 1987
44 min · 10 tracks · jazz
A vibrant blend of intricate melodies and rhythmic textures that showcase Ahmad Jamal's signature lyrical piano style.
Top tracks — play these first
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Quest for Light Start here — This opening track sets the tone for the album with its ethereal melody and intricate interplay between piano and rhythm section, showcasing Jamal's improvisational skills.
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For My Daughter — A heartfelt composition that highlights Jamal's lyrical approach to piano playing, it serves as a poignant tribute that resonates with emotional depth.
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The Last Day — This track features complex rhythms and rich harmonies, exemplifying Jamal's ability to weave intricate narratives through instrumental storytelling.
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Crystal — The title track encapsulates the album's essence with its shimmering melodies and dynamic interplay, representing the culmination of Jamal's artistic vision on this record.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate compositions and unique arrangements, reflecting Jamal's evolution in jazz.
What we noticed
- The album includes a solo piano interlude that contrasts with the ensemble pieces, allowing for introspection before returning to more intricate arrangements.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. 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 explorations throughout
- intricate piano improvisations shine
- thoughtful moments for reflection
- rich textures for attentive listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Marks a significant return and showcases continued artistic evolution.
- Themes
- ethereal melodies· intricate improvisation· personal tributes
- Career context
- Released in 1987, Crystal marked Ahmad Jamal's return to the recording scene after a brief hiatus. Following his last studio album in 1983, this record reflects his continued evolution as an artist and his ability to adapt within the jazz landscape. At this point in his career, he was solidifying his legacy while exploring new musical ideas.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Cecil Taylor· Oscar Peterson
Tracklist
- 1 Quest for Light Start here 4:49
- 2 Arabesque 4:46
- 3 Avo 7:04
- 4 Piano Solo 1:58
- 5 For My Daughter 3:34
- 6 Perugia 3:57
- 7 The Last Day 6:02
- 8 Crystal 4:59
- 9 Swahililand 4:08
- 10 The Canteen 3:06
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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