April 21, 2008 (Pittsburgh): The MCG Jazz 2007–08 concert season comes to a close with legendary Pittsburgh-born pianist Ahmad Jamal, May 1 – 4, 2008 at Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild. Tickets are limited for this much anticipated concert.

Considering his trio “an orchestra,” Jamal not only achieves a unified sound, but subtly inserts independent roles for the bass and drums. The hallmarks of Jamal’s style are rhythmic innovations, colorful harmonic perceptions, especially left hand harmonic and melodic figures, plus parallel and contrary motion lines in and out of chordal substitutions and alterations. He also incorporates a unique sense of space in his music, and his musical concepts are exciting without being loud in volume.

During Mr. Jamal’s celebrated five decade career, he influenced and inspired audiences and musicians alike. Most notably, trumpeter Miles Davis often attributed his style to Mr. Jamal’s unique sense of melody. For his MCG performances, Mr. Jamal’s trio includes bassist Idris Muhammad and drummer James Cammack.

The show times are as follows:

• Thursday, May 1, 7:30 p.m.
• Friday, May 2, 8:00 p.m.
• Saturday, May 3, 7:00 p.m. & 9:30 p.m.
• Sunday, May 4, 2:30 p.m.

Single tickets are $42.50 and can be purchased at the Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild box office or can be charged by phone at 412-322-0800 or online at www.mcgjazz.org.

“Mellon Jazz Insights,” presented by The Bank of New York Mellon, will take place Thursday and Sunday, 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance. “Mellon Jazz Insights” is a special discussion hosted by WDUQ’s Tony Mowod.