When listening to an artist such as Ahmad Jamal, you must try to understand the many facets of the individual, and then further understand what is going on inside his head and heart at the time of the given performance. Only then can you appreciate the emotional content that finds its way from an artist, through the music, to the audience. When we decided to record Ahmad Jamal Live at Bubba's on March 20, 1980, Ahmad was reluctant to do so due to some personal problems. At it turned out, whatever it was that was on his mind, added a dimension to his music never before captured on record.

Ahmad performed an evening of emotions instilled into some of the most beautiful music ever recorded by any pianist. In "People" and "Folks Who Live on the Hill" his feelings come through with a diversity of technique, exposing the inner Jamal. When he performs the Bill Evans tune, "Waltz for Debbie," you feel the love and respect Ahmad had for Bill. He treats the song as a tribute to an artist and expresses a multitude of feelings for the man.

After hearing the album, you will have shared a side of Ahmad Jamal that very few have heard, and become one of the privileged few who can say, "I heard Ahmad Jamal."