AMERICAN JAZZ CLASSICS AHMAD JAMAL TRIO - The Complete 1961 ALHAMBRA Performances 2CD set plus 12 bonus tracks. Includes a comprehensive 12-page booklet with updated liner-notes. This release compiles all known 1961 performances by the celebrated Ahmad Jamal Trio with Israel Crosby and Vernel Fournier at the pianists own club, the Alhambra in Chicago. The Alhambra performances were originally issued on two LPs, Ahmad Jamals Alhambra (Argo LPS-685), and All of You (Argo LPS-691). Four extra tunes from the engagement that were not issued on the original LPs have been added as a bonus, along with two complete rarely heard sessions by the same trio recorded during the same period. All Music: This historic set by the original Ahmad Jamal Trio captures some classic live performances. Jamal owned the Alhambra Club and, of course, his own trio with bassist Israel Crosby and drummer Vernel Fournier was the house band. This is the group that so dazzled Miles Davis with its use of space and lyricism. Sound is warm, spacious, and full, and the entire proceeding is beautifully assembled. (Thom Jurek) Ahmad Jamal piano, Israel Crosby bass, Vernel Fournier - drums Live at Ahmad Jamals Alhambra, Chicago, circa June 22, 1961. All original recordings produced by LEONARD CHESS.
