A guest appearance by vocalist O.C. Smith takes Jamal’s “Whisperings” aside for a quiet break. Throughout the session, the pianist’s dynamic range pushes the keyboard from deep, down and heavy to quirky and light. Standards, such as “I’ve Never Been in Love Before” and “Where Are You,” receive the toughest initiations. In his hands, they’re wispy melodies that sing out lightly over Jamal’s poignant rhythmic drive and hard, foot-stompin’ energy. James Cammack and Idris Muhammad fill suitable roles, bringing the pianist’s creative forces forward. Fiery keyboard swirls and knuckle-busting romps alternate with light-as-a-feather, punctuating phrases. Jamal’s use of tension and release has always had this effect.

The artist’s originals take a more straightforward approach. Each has a theme that runs consistently through its shell. While one remains bouncy and lyrical, the next may turn out asymmetrical and complex. “Where Are You Now” and “Island Fever” prove the point. Monty Alexander’s “You Can See” gives the trio plenty of room to stretch out. As the song’s melodic line emerges and then disappears behind a surging bombast of harmonic counterpoint, Jamal drives home the message loud and clear. Unique among jazz pianists of all ages, and always full of surprises, Jamal shares his highly recommended In Search Of with a world that is badly in need of this kind of innovative beauty.

~ Jim Santella

Track Listing: In Search Of; Should I; Excerpts from I’ll Take the 20; Whisperings; Island Fever; I’ve Never Been In Love Before; Where Are You; Where Are You Now; You Can See; I’ll Always Be With You.