Customer Reviews

Keith Jarrett - Standards

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3 star:		(1)
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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.

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.

First off, I'm a huge fan of Jarrett's Standards trio. Content-wise, this is a great disc, and the sound quality is really excellent. That being said, I didn't feel that having the concert visuals actually added to the experience (visually, this just isn't interesting stuff). Absolutely nothing extra on the DVD. Minor gripe: would it have killed the producers to include a sub-title with the song name at the beginning of each tune? The only way you can see the program is to look at the menu.

I am thrilled to see some great Keith Jarrett titles being released on DVD. I have purchased every one available (I've yet to get my hands on Tokyo 1996) and have greatly enjoyed them all. However, I must say that the Japanese-produced "Standards," recorded masterfully in 1985, is the best of a great lot, with magnificent performances all around and inspiration so palpable it seems to spill off the stage. The rendition of Jarrett's own "Prism" is alone worth the price of this DVD, with a truly inspired and gorgeous spontaneous improvisation closing it out. Those wary of Jarrett's on-stage behavior will still have his idiosyncratic mannerisms to critique, but even his most ardent critic will be silenced by the sheer musical strength of this release. It is a wonderful starting place for those curious about seeing the trio perform, as well as for those who just love great jazz, expertly played and tastefully presented.

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.