The Lost 1976 Recordings
Jazz enthusiasts and collectors are preparing for a major archival discovery this Saturday, April 18. Resonance Records is releasing At the Jazz Showcase: Live in Chicago, a previously unheard set from the late Pittsburgh-born pianist Ahmad Jamal.
The Source: Unearthed from the personal archives of Joe Segal, founder of the legendary Jazz Showcase.
The Lineup: Features Jamal alongside bassist John Heard and drummer Frank Gant.
The Vibe: Captures the “sharp-edged brilliance” of Jamal’s voice during his 1976 residency in the city that forged his musical legacy.
Read more ; Pershing Square Launches $10.9 Billion Takeover Bid for Universal Music Group
Release Schedule & Technical Specs
Collectors should note the staggered release dates for the different formats:
Record Store Day (April 18): Limited edition, 180-gram 2-LP vinyl set.
General Release (April 24): Standard 2-CD set.
Track Highlights: The repertoire spans from Herbie Hancock’s “Dolphin Dance” to a jazz reimagining of the “Theme from MAS*H” and Jamal’s own “Ahmad’s Song.”
The Legacy of a Pittsburgh Great
Born in 1930 and a graduate of Pittsburgh’s Westinghouse High School, Jamal passed away in 2023, leaving behind over 60 releases and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
A “Homecoming” Release: Dr. Sumayah Jamal, head of her father’s estate, describes the album as a tribute to the city where Jamal lived and performed from 1947–1962.
Historical Significance: Producer Zev Feldman notes that these recordings solidify the long-standing relationship between Jamal and the Chicago jazz scene, offering a fresh look at one of the most prolific artists of our lifetime.