AHMAD JAMAL (b. 1930) American jazz pianist, one of the most subtle virtuosos in jazz piano annals. His uncanny use of open space and his tight bandleader-ship have been hallmarks of his influential career. Among those he has influenced is most notably Miles Davis. Performer of the title tune by Johnny Mandel for the soundtrack of the film M*A*S*H, Jamal was also known for a volatile temprament. Fine content A.L.S. "Ahmad " on hotel letterhead, 3pp. 8vo., San Francisco, [n.d.] to his booking agent Jack Whittemore. In part: "...Just made a deal that is unbelievable with 20th Century Fox. Don't even want to go into details until I return. Keep it quiet until you hear from me. Tell Art I can go in for him April 3rd - April 29th...You'll love this deal with 20th Century - I'm the only artist over there in my category & the concentration on me is fantastic. Single coming out immediately...Couldn't open at the Gate until the following week...frankly speaking, I don't want to go in there at all...I have spent so much money in hotels, phone calls, automobiles, etc. I just must cut down... ". Very good. Jamal may have been discussing his work on MASH, which was released by 20th Century Fox in 1970. Very good, stapled at top left. $200-300