While I don't know the significance of Ahmad Jamal naming his 1970 release, The Awakening, I do know that the title could not be more explanatory of the first time I played it. Not only did I awake to some of the most gorgeous trio music to ever grace my ears, but also to an artist whose talents I was completely in awe of. What I had read about Jamal had prepared me for the "Miles Davis of the piano", brilliant use of space and silence, with a subtle ability to make everything sound perfect despite lacking great technique. While all of that may be true, a more accurate description, on The Awakening at least, is an artist who is capable of not only using space and subtlety, but also one who can combine stunning virtuosity with his dramatic emotional improvisations.