Ahmad Jamal - Poinciana - LIVE HD 

Ahmad Jamal passed away today (16 April 2023), but his music will live forever. This video of "Poinciana" has to be one of the greatest performances in jazz history, played impeccably by all four musicians. It's a perfect example of Jamal's "less is more" philosophy that went unappreciated early on. I've listened to it dozens of times, and it still takes my breath away.

My dad wanted Ahmad Jamal's Poinciana played at his funeral. We did!

This song is better than any therapy. Just listen carefully, and your soul will melt down to pure happiness. RIP Ahmad.

"Experiencing Ahmad Jamal's live rendition of 'Poinciana' is like being transported to a world where every note tells a story of elegance and emotion. From the very first chord, Jamal captivates the audience with his impeccable touch and masterful control over dynamics. The interplay between his piano, the subtle yet intricate rhythms of the drums, and the warm, resonant tones of the bass creates a rich, textured soundscape that is both soothing and exhilarating. Jamal's interpretation of 'Poinciana' is a testament to his genius as a jazz musician. He takes a timeless classic and infuses it with a sense of freshness and spontaneity that makes it feel brand new, even to seasoned jazz enthusiasts. His ability to balance restraint with bursts of virtuosic flair keeps listeners on the edge of their seats, hanging on to every nuanced phrase. The live setting adds an extra layer of magic to the performance. You can feel the energy and the connection between the musicians and the audience, a symbiotic relationship that elevates the entire experience. Ahmad Jamal's 'Poinciana' is not just a song; it's a journey, a celebration of musical brilliance that leaves you mesmerized long after the final note has been played. This performance is a must-hear for anyone who appreciates the art of jazz at its finest." One of the best live jazz perfomance ever.

The most genius part about this is the harmony and balance. No one really overpowers anyone else in the ensemble. They all listen to and follow Jamal perfectly. The drummer never overpowers them, nor does the accessory ever become too heavy. This is a perfect performance of a perfect piece.

He showed us the beauty within the spaces in the music. Just short of his 95th birthday, he now rests in jazz. Thank you, Mr. Ahmad Jamal.

He now jams to the swirling of the galactic cosmos, making sure the living swing for the spirits to dance! A person who was powerful indeed!

This is so smooth, my toast buttered itself

I don't think music gets any better than this. Ahmad and Poinciana is sheer joy and love. I love this version and watch the musicians smiling with joy at each other around the music they are making. Ahmad has played this thousands of times yet he still has the love and excitement as if he was playing it for the first time.

Wow, that percussion duet is amazing.

I can never stop listening to this masterpiece. I return to it often. The sheer joy and rhythmic perfection are forever captivating and uplifting.

4-14-2024 Grew up with his music. Glad I have his albums. Another great

R.I.P. thanks for the memories. My dad loved this song and passed it on to me. ❤

A gracious artist. Makes listening a forever experience.

Months before my father took his own life, he sent me this with the subject being “This is my favorite feel good go to video. Happy musicians playing a great tune. Enjoy”. I love and miss you Dad.

have played this almost a thousand times (really) but yesterday I was saddened deeply by the news of the the passing of Ahmad and wish i could have seen him perform live. This is one of the very best live performance I have ever seen or heard. This group is legendary.!

What an icon of jazz tunes. Skips along like a happy child with nothing to dread. A song for everyone.

One word!!! BEAUTIFUL!!

The smiles on all the musicians faces says it all!

I love this song & the performance! It's been my daily "get the day started" song for about 6 weeks!!💃

I come back to this performance when I want to remember that humans can experience great beauty together. Best of luck in 2021 everyone!

Ahmad Jamal is undoubtedly one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time; this performance is simply stunning! The entire band is playing exceptionally soulfully and skillfully.

My story is my mom would play this all night long with a beer in her hand sitting on the couch, me and my little brother would have to go to school in the morning, and we would be so upset with her because we wondered why she would play it so many times, asking her to please turn in down, she never would, lol... This song with a few others have stayed in my soul and because of her I love music so much, thank you mom for playing Poinciana and thank you Ahmad Jamal for your brilliant talent and skills

Before the pandemic, I worked graveyard shift. Played this at least 10 times a night. Must have heard it about 100 times. Now I play it while at home!I love how they interact with each other, you can tell that they are having fun!

One of the best pieces of music ever written. He is the master.

Nothing But LOVE for them Ahmad

I first heard Ahmad Jamal play "Poinciana" when I was 13yrs old. It stayed in my heart all these years!! Timeless, sheer timeless!!!!!

Rest in Paradise, Beautiful Man🌷

A naughty smile on all their faces; sailing away out of the world. Bless them.

Mr. Jamal is wearing the most dapper shades I've ever seen in my 73 years of passing through the leaves of existence. His music is anything but shabby. It resembles his shades. Cool Blue.

My word but this is wonderful .

I love this version more than the recording version. You could see the connection between the 4 of them, their expressions, their smile, they’re jokingly around👍🏻♥️

This was truly a flawless performance by one of the greatest pianists ever! One of my favorite songs as well! The bassist and percussionists complimented Ahmad and were perfect in their delivery! RIP Mr Jamal. May the Lord Bless You!🙏🏽

AJ was one of the icons of American Jazz. His keyboarding abilities were second to none. As an African American, I appreciate what he represented and did for music and artistic expression as such himself.. May he rest in heavenly peace, may he inspire others, especially AAmericans, to develop and express their creative talents. Thank you, sir.

First heard it in Spain 1967. I remember every single note. Heavenly!.

I didn't think he could improve upon his old standard. Other musicians have taken on Poinciana, but Ahmad owns it, with a superlative supporting bassist, drummer and percussionist. BRAVO!!!

AHMED JAMAL …The World`s greatest Jazz Pianist ( IMV) passed away yesterday. He was 92. I have been listening to his music for over six decades. I watched and thoroughly enjoyed three of his live performances, once at New York, once in Paris, and once at our very own Total Environment Music Foundation, Bangalore. He was close to my son `Kamal Sagar` who almost went all the way to New York to meet him last week, but was dissuaded from coming by Ahmed Jamal, as he didn`t want to be seen in his condition. We met him at length during the Paris Show and Kamal invited him to perform in Bangalore. He readily agreed. When he was in Bangalore, I spoke with him at length and told him how I enjoyed his music starting with his album `Free Flight`, we even discussed philosophy and I gave him my book `SIX WORDS`. His version of Poinciana is the best version (IMV) of this popular number. May his soul rest in peace.

groovin'' on a Sunday afternoon.... just beautiful!

I jus l-o-v-e this version of ‘Poinciana’! I have played it over and over again, never tiring of listening it. Love the way the jazz musicians seem so naturally at ease with fitting in all the notes together. Rhythm is in their veins!

Absolutely timeless...his music and especially this one tune will live on forever...

This is song is FREEDOM

I have always loved Ahmad Jamal's version of "Poinciana." This particular live version is unbelievably inspired. I can listen to it and watch them over and over again!

how could you possibly thumb this down - you gotta be insane ??!!??!

Absolutely incredible group... Goosebumps here we go again!!!

Masterpiece! I could listen to those drums all day!!!!!! what a great piece, pure joy.

This is untouchable, just perfect

No other genre of music has the same freewheeling spirit of Jazz. You can watch the same people perform the same songs over and over, and each and every time you will hear something different. I bet that even THEY don't know what they are going to do.

When I first heard the original Ahmad Jamal "Live" album I'd jut been discharged from the Army (Vietnam Era), wa still a young man, and had ass yet to formulate a coherent way forward into the civilian world I'd been drafted out of two years earlier. It was this song, "Poinciana" that acted as a kind of lens, giving me a deep and romantic focus about life's possibilities. When I look back (and forward!!!) of its effect upon my life, along with great Jazz classics of the era, apparently the music worked very well...

Great to actually see musicians having fun whilst playing, Ahmad Jamal the greatest

Ahmed Jamal is LEAVING THE FREAKING SPACE here! Woohoo

Masterpiece. I must have listened to this several hundred times since my first post.

Such a special and unique jazz song like no other

I've admired this guy since my 18th birthday on January 16, 1958...the date of the release of his famous "But Not For Me" album.

Ahmad's signature tune. He left his mark on this song such that anybody playing it always uses him as a reference.

It's a pity. Big loss. Another Magnificent pianist, the Legend has left our world...😔🎶💔🎶

love to see how much fun these dudes have on stage

Ahmad Jamal must know every song ever written. What a masterful musician.

Amazing performance , great sound , and the musicians knew it was a superlative performance , their face spitting smiles told me so !

I remember when Ahmad Jamal was labeled a "beatnik" when his rendition of Poinciana first came out in the very late '50s. It ended up being a top selling jazz album standard.

Played this over and over until I wore out the record but I still remember every note.

I still have the vinyl recording of Ahmad Jamal at the Pershing. Bought that when I was in high school. I never let it go. Have it framed on the wall now. I could listen to it all day long even now.

Ahmad Jamal, king of the keys and the musicians are a perfect blend. Thanks to my sweet daddy for introducing me to jazz, it made housecleaning on Saturday mornings enjoyable, love you dad. This is a favorite

This man & his music… CLASSY!!! Rest In Peace, Ahmad….. 🌸🕊️🌸

You can see the joy on Ahmad Jamal's face while playing. Great talent!

Could listen to him all nite. He is indeed a master. He makes his music unforgetable.

This song seriously has an awesome vibe that's really embedded in my soul. I can't really describe it but it has a certain serenity that transports my mind to a different level

One the first jazz songs I learned as a young bassist in 1971,this song always took me to a peaceful,serene place,R.I.P Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad.when I’m down all I have to do is play this wonderful version of poinciana and I’m elevated....I play it everyday maybe a few times a day..thanks Ahmad..are there any older favourites that you have treated like this old one...hey out there who knows of any...Chester..🇨🇦

Can’t stop playing again and again,every day...Jamal is great....

I practice everyday hours and hours on end to be as good as him, but he will forever remain the legend.

I have always Loved This Song!!!!

Jazz first got hold of this listener more than fifty years ago and it's never let go. Ahmad Jamal's take on Poinciana is to me among the very finest jazz creations, one of the tests of which is that repeated listening never lessens its impact. In a word, sublime.

Ahmad, All the many times I have been blesses to see you play this song. This is maybe my fav!!!! Ron

Ahmad Jamad est toujours le jeune homme qu'il était en publiant ce titre en 1958! So great!

His Live at the Pershing was one of the first jazz lps I heard, from my parent’s collection, circa 1969. RIP.

Of all the versions this to me is the best

Yet another masterpiece from the Master …!

If I had been blessed to have attended this performance, I would have danced, with permission, in the aisles! All that rhythm calls me! That bass fiddle riding.... wow!!!

Rest in peace. You influence on me was not just musical but timeless!

This was posted on Facebook this year in honor of his 88th birthday. I have played it dozens of times on FB until I realized it’s probably on RU-vid. So here we are. LOVE ❤️ IT.

... non ci sono parole per descrivere la bellezza di questo brano. Ci sono molti video di Poinciana, ma questo è stupendo ... Ogni nota ti conduce in un sogno, ogni passaggio ci trasporta in mondi e luoghi lontani ... Grazie Ahmad!

Wonderful. Super bass foundation. Percussion so integrated. Solo piano so clever and sensitive. Ahmad interlaces another tune into the main theme." I'm Glad There Is You".

Happy 85th Ahmad! Far and away the best version of Poinciana I have heard! Remembering a memorable ride I gave you in my cab oh so many years ago on the streets of Chicago...

Rest in Power Ahmad Jamal Great jazz pianist composer Legend is gone Home

What a wonderful pleasure to hear!

This Man and his music is so wonderful. The Real Deal you have to check him out. Ahmad Jamal.

Ahmad Jamal vient de nous quitter à l'âge de 92 ans. Nous avions assisté à deux concerts en France et en gardons un excellent souvenir. Ce pianiste de génie était toujours de bonne humeur et donnait l'impression d'être heureux sur scène et de partager sa passion de la musique avec ses acolytes et le public. Il va nous manquer c'est sûr. RIP.

Jamal...top of my list for "progressive jazz" since the 1950's.......Bravo Maestro Ahmad....Jules

He is really divine.

Le Meilleur Morceau jouer par les Musicien le plus parfait ,le rythme, les coordinations, entre les Musiciens et le Maitre , Top , quoi !

One of the most carefree pieces of music I know. The sheer beauty of it is amazing.

I am hooked on this man's music, especially his version of Poinciana. Play this when I'm in a bad mood and then...

heaven on earth the smoothes jazz i ever heard

We went crazy over this as high school students in the mid 50's. Personally, at age 75, I'm still going crazy over Mr. Jamal's music. Keep swingin, my man.

What a fun song, I could listen to it for hours.

Live at the Pershing turned me on to jazz as a teen. Hearing Jamal is a milestone in my life, changed me forever.

What more can I add? This is real jazz beautifully performed - thank you Ahmad for sharing your genius with us. Bless you!

I heard this song one day, and i just couldn't stop listening to it. I was mindblown.

I just saw this for the first time today, the day that Mr. Jamal passed. May his memory be a blessing

I love Herlin Riley on drums .