Although it was issued in 1959, the LP The Piano Scene of Ahmad Jamal compiles performances from Jamal’s earliest recording sessions for Okeh in 1951-52 in Chicago, and a 1955 Epic session from October 1955 in New York. Jamal and guitarist Ray Crawford are present on all sides, while bassist Eddie Calhoun plays on the 1951-52 recordings, and Israel Crosby replaces him on the 1955 tracks. When Jamal recorded all of these sides, he was still years away from attaining success, which would come after the release of his 1958 Pershing and Spotlight live performances. Nine tracks from the same sessions, not included on the original LP, have been added as a bonus.

“Music chose me. I didn’t choose it. At three-years old, when you start playing at three, you really haven’t made any choice. It has chosen you. Like Tiger Woods and thegolf clubs. When you start that young, I think the career has chosen you.” (Ahmad Jamal, 2002)

AHMAD JAMAL, pianoRAY CRAWFORD, guitarISRAEL CROSBY or EDDIE CALHOUN, bassRecorded in Chicago & New York, 1951-55.

• 1. Ole Devil Moon
• 2. Ahmad's Blues
• 3. Poinciana
• 4. Billy Boy
• 5. Will You Still Be Mine?
• 6. Pavanne
• 7. Crazy He Calls Me
• 8. The Surrey With the Fringe On Top
• 9. Aki & Ukthay
• 10. Slaughter On 10th Avenue
• 11. A Gal In Calico
• 12. It's Easy To Remember
• 13. Autumn Leaves (Bonus Track)
• 14. Don't Blame Me (Bonus Track)
• 15. Rica Pulpa (Bonus Track)
• 16. The Donkey Serenade (Bonus Track)
• 17. Perfidia (Bonus Track)
• 18. Black Beauty (Bonus Track)
• 19. They Can't Take That Away From Me (Bonus Track)
• 20. Squeeze Me (Bonus Track)
• 21. Something To Remember You By (Bonus Track)