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Share thoughts on Keith Jarrett

Last night, I saw Keith Jarrett performing solo at the Symphony Center. Tremendously emotional concert with four encores. Now, this is why I'm posting: The person who I was supposed to attend the concert with, informed me, on Tuesday night, that she couldn't go. "No problem", I thought: "Who wouldn't jump at the chance to see Keith Jarrett live", a performer who I consider to be right up there with the likes of Davis, Monk, and Coltrane, all jazz elite and all household names. It took me two full days to find someone who even heard of this guy. I'll continue to hold him in place of high esteem regardless of the comments I get here, but I'm curious: Am I incorrect to place him so highly, or are their others who find his relative anonymity amazing?
phaelon

Showing 5 responses by rockadanny

rockadanny
1,230 posts
 
I think he is one of the greatest living jazz musicians on the planet. Brilliantly combining the technical aspect of playing with conveyed emotion.
rockadanny
1,230 posts
 
one of the basic tenets ... but can one still folllow the tune
I respectfully disagree with this statement. I think it is perfectly acceptable to stretch out far beyond the tune, even to completely obliterate it, as long as one does come back to it either on occasion or at the end. Otherwise, I'd hate to listen to My Favorite Things or Surrey With the Fringe on Top - two silly, sappy songs otherwise IMO. It is the stretch beyond the tune which often defines jazz for me. It gets me excited and grips my interest, hearing how inventive players can be with ANY old tune. In no other genre does this occur. That, to me, is what makes jazz so special and transcends all other music genres.
rockadanny
1,230 posts
 
Addendum - In place of following the "tune", I do prefer jazz which at least follows a groove. I do not enjoy "free jazz", music with no structure at all, when there is nothing to follow.
rockadanny
1,230 posts
 
Frogman, after clarification I agree with your comments completely. For me also it is not good when a musician loses focus. Once they wander into naval gazing noodlery or simply just get lost, they lose my attention completely and I'll avoid that track from then on. I've heard it from other musicians but have not yet noticed it from KJ. Though I've not heard as much of his catalogue as I'd like.
rockadanny
1,230 posts
 
Edorr - OMG! Is that Masabumi groaning al la Jarrett? I listened to some samples and while "Tethered Moon: First Meeting" sounds very promising (and very ECM), I am reluctant to add yet another Tourette's moaner/groaner to my cache. Anouar Brahem sounds wonderful. Thank you for mentioning these two obviously talented performers. I'll be placing my order for "Barzakh" and "Le Pas du Chat Noir" as soon as I get home tonight.
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