The Essence, Vol. 1 (2 LP)

When this record came out in 1995, it was an incredible breath of fresh air for the jazz world, which had until then been suffocating under the weight of young wolves - or young clones, rather - all competing to see who could best
imitate McCoy Tyner, Bill Evans or Herbie Hancock.

After two disappointing albums released on Telarc in the early 1990s, Jamal returns with a truly exciting project that
lives up to his immense talent - a real rejuvenation.

Surrounded by a rhythm section he knows intimately - longtime collaborators James Cammack, Jamil Nasser and
Idris Muhammad - Jamal sounds more comfortable than ever, perhaps only rivalled by the legendary synergy he
once shared with Israel Crosby and Vernell Fournier.

He also reunites with percussionist Manolo Badrena and welcomes tenor saxophonist George Coleman, an unfortunately underrated musician with a stellar résumé that includes stints with Max Roach, Chet Baker and Miles
Davis.

Jamal’s style is unmistakable: percussive piano, astonishing finesse and flexibility and a masterful sense of
momentum and dynamics. In short, this legendary pianist isn’t just essential listening - he’s a sacred monster of jazz,
with a uniquely identifiable sound that hits you from the very first bars.

This album has only been available on CD and has never
been released on vinyl until now.