Jazz Reviews : Drums Overpower Ahmad Jamal at Catalina

The trio Ahmad Jamal brought to Catalina Bar & Grill on Tuesday was a distinct change from his past groups. The pianist has long been known as a master of swiftly transforming rhythms and sudden harmonic surprises. But his current ensemble is producing a drum-dominated sound that largely bypasses the subtle wonders of the Jamal style.

Part of the problem may have been opening-night jitters. Jamal frequently turned to drummer Dave Bowler and bassist James Cammack to direct musical levels and accents.

Still, Jamal has worked Catalina regularly, knows the room’s acoustics, and is not the sort of leader who allows his music to get out of control. One has to assume that, opening night difficulties aside, what was heard Tuesday was what he wanted to be heard.

In a set that was filled with Jamal originals--including “Pittsburgh” from his new album and, appropriately, “Catalina”--the music ebbed and flowed in typical Jamal fashion. Lush, pianistic intros were abruptly followed by hammered low notes and whirling, high-speed runs.

All well and good, except for Bowler’s drumming, which overpowered virtually every dynamic alteration. Even worse, his straight-ahead playing laid down an earthbound bass drum and high-hat cymbal whack on every beat, effectively grounding Jamal’s usually high-soaring solo flights.

The only numbers that escaped this percussive onslaught were brief, lovely readings of “Laura” and “Spring Is Here” by Jamal and bassist Cammack. More of the same would have been welcome.

The Jamal trio continues at Catalina through Sunday.