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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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!

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.

This is so smooth, my toast buttered itself

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!

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

Wow, that percussion duet is amazing.

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

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.!

One word!!! BEAUTIFUL!!

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.

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

"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.

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

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

A gracious artist. Makes listening a forever experience.

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.

The smiles on all the musicians faces says it all!

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👍🏻♥️

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

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!!!

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!🙏🏽

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!

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🌷

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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...

My word but this is wonderful .

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

This is song is FREEDOM

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

This is untouchable, just perfect

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

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...

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

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

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

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

Ahmed Jamal is LEAVING THE FREAKING SPACE here! Woohoo

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.

... 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!

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

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

One could create a Jazz-Symphony from the incredible way he has always arranged this. My parents bought his original vinyl "AT THE PERSHING" in the 50s and as a teen it was my fave!!! Amazing artist!

Such a special and unique jazz song like no other

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..🇨🇦

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

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

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".

love to see how much fun these dudes have on stage

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!!!

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

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

Juste magnifique

What a wonderful pleasure to hear!

I have always Loved This Song!!!!

Yet another masterpiece from the Master …!

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

Of all the versions this to me is the best

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

I didn't know Vulfpecks Poinciana was inspired by this. I looked up Poinciana because I wanted to see a picture of one of the trees, and saw this video as the first result. I had a feeling that they took inspiration from this, as they usually have many pieces that are inspired by other songs. You learn something new every day.

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

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

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

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.

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

As much fun to watch as to listen to. Instant transportation from a bad place anytime to a world of joy. This is better than an apple a day. Thanks for posting.

He was one with the music. Every now and then, an artist has the ability to have us transcend into the venue. Every time I LISTEN to this, I am intentional and am front row and center. That feeling is why we imbibe the art form. This is easily a Top 5 video as it is Top Shelf. Long live the gift of impeccable music. Gonna miss Ahmad.

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

Masterpiece

I came across this a couple weeks ago maybe. I have listened to it probably 10 times and have shared it many times. A masterpiece.

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

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

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.

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 KZfaq. So here we are. LOVE ❤️ IT.

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

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

(AJ...my hero). Wondering what it's like to be a genius. I guess it's nice.... when it benefits so many appreciators.