This album is unusual in two ways. Because pianist
Ahmad Jamal
would soon become famous for his piano/bass/drums trios, it is often forgotten that, up until 1956, his group consisted of bassist
Israel Crosby
and guitarist
Ray Crawford
.
Crawford
's percussive hitting of his guitar would soon be utilized by
Herb Ellis
in
Oscar Peterson's Trio
. And, although it is know that
Miles Davis
listened closely to
Jamal
and often "borrowed" his repertoire, few probably realize that
Gil Evans
based some of his famous arrangements on
's interpretations. A comparison of "New Rumba" and "Medley" (which is really "I Don't Want To Be Kissed") on this album with
Evans
' version for
Miles Ahead
in 1957 sounds nearly identical despite the very different personnel. It is a pity that
would soon change his group's instrumentation since his communication with
and
Crosby
(heard here on such tunes as "A Foggy Day," "All of You," "I Get a Kick out of You" and "Spring Is Here") was often magical, but he would soon gain great popularity with the upcoming guitarless trio (which was just as telepathic). ~ Scott Yanow