Ahmad Jamal, Piano, 1930, Pittsburgh, Pa
As a youngster, Ahmad studied with James Miller, a prominent teacher/pianist in the Pittsburgh area. Ahmad began playing professionally before he was in his teens and quit high school in the late' 40s to join an orchestra led by George Hudson, also in the Pittsburgh area. Jamal formed his own trio in 1951, and after an extended engagement at the Blue Note in Chicago, the trio moved to the Embers in New York City where it caught the attention and gained the support of John Hammond. Ahmad, whose name at birth was Fritz Jones, converted to Islam in the early '50s, and changed his name to Ahmad Jamal. In 1958, with Israel Crosby and Vernel Fournier, Ahmad recorded his most famous album, "Ahmad Jamal At The Pershing". His most important and popul single hit record was his rendition of his own "Poinciana". This was popular in jazz circles and was also a big seller with the record-buying public. On later recordings Jamal sometimes played electric piano and utilized large backup ensembles, including strings and wind instruments. Ahmad Jamal died in 2003.
Herbie Harper, Trombone, 1920, Salins, Ks
Herbie's first professional gig with a "name" band was with Charlie Spivak with whom he toured from 1944 to 1947. Thereafter he settled in Hollywood, where he played withTeddy Edwards's quintet and in big bands led by Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Stan Kenton, and Jerry Gray. He also very active performing and recording as a member of Billy Holiday's group. In the mid '50s Harper led his own group, playing West Coast jazz and doing some recording work. During this period Herbie played mainly in the studios of NBC, and recorded with artists such as June Christy, Maynard Ferguson, Charlie Barnet, Stan Kenton, Ray Brown and Benny Carter. Herbie Harper was one of the finest musicians of his day, equally at ease on the bandstand or in the recording studio.
Mike Abene, Piano, 1942, New York, NY
