Tranquility ; Outertime Innerspace (1972)

Allmusic over "Tranquility" (1972): "This recording is of value if only to hear Jamal's interpretation of two Burt Bacharach gems, "I Say a Little Prayer" and "The Look of Love." Since the early '50s, Jamal generates appeal within the piano trio format by crafting memorable arrangements without clichés. (Jamal paved the way for Ramsey Lewis, the Three Sounds, a.o.) He treats the entire trio - not just the piano - as his instrument and has mastered the use of space and dynamics in shaping his distinctive group sound. His concise renderings of standards and pop tunes always offer a fresh take on the familiar by deconstructing and reconstructing melodic, harmonic, and rhythmic themes. This collection is no exception." En over "Outertimeinnerspace": "This documents his appearance at the 1971 Montreux Jazz Festival. Comprising two epic improvisations, it's a challenging but deeply rewarding effort that captures the pianist at his most profoundly spiritual, exploring otherworldly dimensions of space and sound."