Ahmad Jamal had a long and lucrative career in jazz piano, and it started off with the smooth Chamber Music of the New Jazz. Recorded in 1955 and originally released as Ahmad Jamal Plays, the album was re-released a year later (with every successive reissue known as Chamber Music). Jamal would score a hit in 1958 with his live trio album At the Pershing, recorded with bassist Israel Crosby and drummer Vernel Fournier. Chamber Music is also a trio album but without drums, instead featuring guitarist Ray Crawford (a Pittsburgh native like Jamal).

Crawford’s guitar is notable, as he plays around with little pops on “All of You” and “I Don’t Wanna Be Kissed”. Crawford’s own composition “Jeff” has always been my favorite track here, and it’s opening call-and-response between guitar and piano sticks in my head. The rest of the album is largely standards, with Jamal’s opener “New Rhumba” the exception. That track is mellow, whereas Jamal and company play with a lively flair on “I Get a Kick Out of You” (both modes are great).

The lack of drums makes for a nice late-night listen and really allows Jamal’s piano playing to stand out in all its beauty. Short and sweet, Chamber Music of the New Jazz is an easy record that nevertheless captures a magic exercise in jazz collaboration.

Listen to Chamber Music of the New Jazz here.