I Remember Duke, Hoagy & Strayhorn
Ahmad Jamal · 1994
62 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of melodic improvisation, blending lush harmonies with intricate rhythms in homage to jazz legends.
Top tracks — play these first
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My Flower Start here — accessible entry with immediate hook
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In a Sentimental Mood — This track stands out for its hauntingly beautiful interpretation, allowing Jamal's piano to weave through Ellington's lush composition with delicate phrasing.
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Skylark — Jamal's rendition of this classic showcases his ability to blend intricate melodies with subtle rhythmic shifts, creating an intimate listening experience.
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Prelude to a Kiss — This track exemplifies Jamal's gift for reinterpreting standards, transforming it into a reflective piece that highlights his lyrical touch and emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases sophisticated arrangements and strong improvisation, marking a notable return for Jamal.
What we noticed
- The album features a consistent use of intricate piano melodies that weave in and out of lush harmonic backgrounds, creating a rich textural experience.
- Each track is arranged to highlight Jamal's improvisational skills, with extended solos that often shift the rhythmic feel mid-performance.
- The running time is balanced, with several tracks exceeding five minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes without feeling rushed.
- 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
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 exploration of familiar themes
- introspective improvisation for quiet moments
- lush soundscapes for reflective listening
- evocative melodies for sentimental moods
Maybe skip if you
- prefer upbeat, fast-paced tracks
- seek immediate, catchy hooks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Revitalized Jamal's career and showcased his return to prominence in jazz.
- Themes
- jazz legends tribute· intimate piano reflections· melodic improvisation
- Career context
- Released in 1994, I Remember Duke, Hoagy & Strayhorn came at a time when Ahmad Jamal was revitalizing his career after a brief hiatus. This album marked his return to the forefront of jazz, showcasing his distinctive piano style while paying tribute to influential composers.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Bill Evans· Cecil Taylor· Oscar Peterson
Moments worth listening for
Where the writing does something specific.
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I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good)
The shift from melancholy musings to a more fervent expression captures the essence of longing subtly.
By varying the intensity within the melody, Jamal conveys a complex emotional landscape that deepens the listener's engagement with the narrative.
Tracklist
- 1 My Flower Start here 2:33
- 2 I Got It Bad (and That Ain't Good) 5:08
- 3 In a Sentimental Mood 9:21
- 4 Ruby 5:57
- 5 Don't You Know I Care 4:45
- 6 Prelude to a Kiss 4:22
- 7 Do Nothin' Till You Hear From Me 5:53
- 8 Chelsea Bridge 4:41
- 9 I Remember Hoagy 4:30
- 10 Skylark 4:36
- 11 Never Let Me Go 4:35
- 12 Goodbye 6:08
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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