Search - Keith Jarrett - Standards on DVD

An experience unfading

08/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I first saw this video about ten years ago in a small theater auditorium with 52 in. TV screen. It left a shattering impression on me, musically as well as visually. Today, having been long familiar with Keith Jarrett's vigorous piano playing and personally been his concerts 4 times, the performance in this video still stands out impressively. This 1985 concert recorded in Japan was shot in a remote manner, cameras were deliberately hidden from the trio, providing a detailed, vivid and spontaneous view of their live performance. To me, it's especially interesting in hearing these early trio repertoire, starting with superbly elegant I Wish I Knew, Jarrett's own compositions So Tender, Prism, more familiar tunes like It's Easy To Remember, Stella By Starlight, and a great God Bless The Child. The video strikes me as how minimal they exchanged the eye contact, revealing the interplay relies all on the listening. A perfect example of the trio's improvisatory art is revealed in the extension of Prism, where camera stays on Gary Peacock's expression, as he followed, probed, and quickly found the groove in flight with Jarrett's notes. From there, the trio simply took off."

After hundreds of listens it still brings joy every time

01/09/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The performance on this video is among the best of all of Jarrett's recordings in any format, and while the VHS quality is very good, it's too bad that this wonderful concert is only available in that format. 1. "I Wish I Knew." Gorgeous and colorful. 2. "If I Should Lose You." 3. "Late Lament." 4. "Rider." Driving rhythm and gospel flavor. 5. "It's Easy to Remember." 6. "So Tender." Here the trio especially amazes with its tight control of a piece played with wild abandon. 7. "Prism." Not to be missed. Opens with a solo by Gary, picked up by Keith, and continued by the three, osmosing into an absolutely joyful, rhythmic, free-flowing jam with pentatonic flavor which I like to think was a tribute to the Japanese audience. My favorite of all KJ. 8. "Stella by Starlight." 9. "God Bless the Child."
The video aspect is good. Many closeups of facial expressions and hands on instruments. Very enjoyable to see this for someone who hasn't been able to see them in person.
Keith being Keith. Gary inspired. The great Jack DeJohnette playing the drums with actual melody--how does he do that? I love this recording."

Best I ever heard

Richard C. Cox | 09/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The title "Standards" implies to me that they are playing "Standard" tunes. Before buying this DVD I didn't realize that, in fact, they have also set the "Standard" for all jazz music."