In the 50s, pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis. Jamal's music, contrasting simple and complex, sound and silence, can be clearly heard on the album "Miles Ahead." These days, Jamal is sampled by rappers like Jay-Z and Nas. He joins us to talk about his latest album, "It’s Magic."

Ahmad Jamal will perform at Lincoln Center from Sept. 18 to 20 to open up this year's Jazz at Lincoln Center concert season. Each performance begins at 8 p.m.