Search - Keith Jarrett - Solo Tribute: The 100th Performance in Japan on DVD

"I Could Have Danced (AND Listened) All Night"

jazztemple2@aol.com | USA | 01/07/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have many solo piano recordings, from James P. Johnson to Cecil Taylor. I can listen to Johnson and I can listen to Taylor. But for how long.To my ear only Keith Jarrett has the ability to play such a variety of musical styles--and all of them so well--that I could listen all night long with no fear of boredom.And though this solo recording is (for the most part) all standards and ballads, it never mires down like so many in this genre do. Jarrett's mastery of melody, harmony, rhythm, improvisation and "composition," all couple up with--yet are never overwhelmed by--his incredible technique, and together these many facets of his genius take this recording to a level beyond any other recording of similar pieces. His playing here truly runs the gamut from the ethereal and sublime to the "get-up-off-your-...-and-shake-your-body" funky!Listen, for example, to the way "The Night We Called It A Day" unfolds in "novelistic" fashion. It is as if you are sitting there listening to a beautifully haunting musical book unfold before you. Close your eyes and its beauty washes over you.Or try "Do Nothing Till You Hear From Me." It is at times achingly restrained, simple, and beautiful; your ears will beg you to just sit down and listen. But then it changes, and suddenly his funky and bluesy left hand bumps into his dazzlingly speedy and bluesy right hand and your body is gonna demand that you to get up and boogie! Jarrett's regrettably-not-often-heard-but-amazing ("semi"?) stride piano ability comes to the fore here. You will not be able to erase from your face your grin of amazement. (By the way, I mentioned Jarrett's ability at "composition" above. Case in point, though the B section here is not the original--unless I am sorely mistaken--it is gorgeous, and melds perfectly with the rest of the piece.) And though I am quite sure that the purists and traditionalists in the audience will criticize me with the greatest of gusto for the following comment, I believe Jarrett's solo version of "'Round Midnight" is the most beautifully poignant I have ever heard. (Yes, even including the wonderful recording of Monk composing the tune in the studio.)Interestingly, Jarrett--dare I say it--actually loses it momentarily in "'Round Midnight." (Now it's the Jarrett die-hards chance to pounce on me!) The rhythm just falls apart. But, you know what? I could care less. Unlike Glenn Gould's belief that perfection, in part, awaited its creation in the editing room--and I personally believe that he was at least partially correct when one is recording classical music--Jarrett's "perfection" is that he will not play it safe, that he will reach and stretch, farther and farther, even to the point that he occassionally stumbles. It would be so easy for a musician of his ability to make a safe, mistake-proof recording. But he doesn't believe that that is what this kind of music is about. More power to him for being willing to fall in front of us unashamed. Thank you, Mr. Jarrett, for always taking that extra chance. It allows us a chance to hear what we otherwise never would. It is a blessing to be alive in a world with your music."

A Sparkle Night

Dayu Zhang | China | 11/22/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Celebrating his 100th concert in Japan, Mr. Jarrett obviously came out with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. But it was the second half of the concert that amazed me so much, with the standard tunes like "Round About Midnight", "Then I'll be Tired of You", "The Wind", and especially "Solar", Keith played them more open than they were in the Trio, Motives just came one after another unstoppably. As a fact Keith hiself was amused by the inspiration along the tune and put on some "magic shows" after applause. Comparing with CDs it might not be a perfect night, however, it's one of the best video documents available for Keith Jarrett."

Solo Standards from 1987 filmed live in Japan.

Terry Saundry | Keysborough, Vic, Australia | 01/12/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The review below may be misleading. This is not the usual Jarrett solo epic. It is approx 100 mins of solo standards (except for one track which is probably an instant improvisation) and is recommended to anyone who is looking for something else like the wonderful "The Melody At Night, With You". I have only recently bought this video with only the review below top go by and was surprised by the format as I didn't realise that he had done the "standards thing" solo before."

Thats how you make music!

Dayu Zhang | 09/02/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"iv'e heard all of kieth's piano solo's,but i never saw any of them...and i was not disappointed there are no other artist alive,that is able to play a piano solo concert like he does...or make sooo deep music...! the quality of his playing is amazing...really one of his best concerts...it can be heard that he was in the "spirits" mood...i think every pianist must see this video, or even anyone who whants to see god...and listen to the truth!!"