After Fajr

Ahmad Jamal, a titan of American jazz, was a pianist, composer, and bandleader whose career spanned over six decades. Born in 1930, Jamal's journey began in Pittsburgh where he started playing professionally at the tender age of 11. His unique approach to jazz, which he often referred to as 'American Classical Music,' earned him a place among the greatest living jazz musicians. Jamal's breakthrough came with his iconic performances at Chicago's Pershing Lounge, which solidified his status as a master of cool jazz and hard bop. Throughout his life, Jamal's dedication to his craft was unwavering, and his contributions to music history were recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Grammy and the title of NEA Jazz Master. Based in Los Angeles until his passing in 2023 at the age of 92, Jamal's influence on jazz piano is as enduring as it is profound.