Wil Blades

Remembering the great Ahmad Jamal who was born this week in 1930. Praised as one of the greatest jazz innovators over the course of his exceptionally long career, Jamal was known for his laid-back style and for his influence on, among others, Miles Davis, who once said, “All my inspiration comes from Ahmad Jamal.” He made a lasting mark on jazz with a stately approach that honored what he called the spaces in the music. His minimalistic and restrained playing laid the groundwork for the “cool jazz” idiom. Throughout his six-decade career, Jamal released over 70 albums, ranging from solo piano work to jazz trios to collaborations with string quartets. His last was 2019’s Ballades. Two years prior, in 2017, he received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award for his work. Here, he is performing “The Awakening” on the television show Black Omnibus in 1973.

ESPN Sources: The Washington Wizards are finalizing a deal to send Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors for a package that includes Jordan Poole and future draft assets.