Customer Reviews

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

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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.

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.

The performance of Keith Jarrett is just the best thing I have heard or seen in solo piano. The genius of Keith Jarrett becomes obvious when he plays "There is no greater love" and improvises a short part of it in a Barock /Bach style.
The DVD is a must for every Jazz-Lover and of course for every Keith Jarrett fan.

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!!

Suffice it to say I am a huge fan of this man, an understatement to say the least.

This DVD is a profound document, recorded almost twenty years ago as I write this. There is something particularly intense about this performance of standards; variety in material to be sure- but the detail he brings to these interpretations, whether meditative, bluesy-gospel or straight out swing improv of the highest calibre, is simply amazing. You will encounter much counterpoint in these interpretations, executed with a taste and flair Bach himself would praise.

At some point Jarrett seems to conjure the muse or whatever spririts motivate or infuse his playing in a seemingly comic wave of his hands and no wonder; every moment of this disc is pure inspiration, a joy to watch and an even greater pleasure to listen to. Considering much of his playing at this time (1987) involved his trio, this Tokyo performance reveals just how independent this singular musician/genius is, capable of sustaining the audience's rapt attention throughout the entire program.

A must have- in many ways more satisfying than most of his freer solo improv CDs, certainly more of an academic document for fans casual or devoted.

The performance of Keith Jarrett is just the best thing I have heard or seen in solo piano. The genius of Keith Jarrett becomes obvious when he plays "There is no greater love" and improvises a short part of it in a Barock /Bach style.
The DVD is a must for every Jazz-Lover and of course for every Keith Jarrett fan.

Dear music lovers around the world,
I have been following K. Jarrett since he was a young man with Charles Lloyd. I remember listening to Forest flower sunrise Forest Flower Sunset by that group. As time went on he became my pianist of choice. Then years past and he did the Bremen/Lausanne concert and Koln solo's. Bremen / Lausanne is my favorite as I feel it is more robust and innovative.

As for this Solo in Japan. IT IS SO IMPROVISATIONAL AND FULFILLING TO WATCH!!!
WHAT WILL WE DO WHEN HE IS GONE I DO NOT KNOW. HE HAS DONE SO MUCH FOR ME JUST BEING ABLE TO PLAY HIS MUSIC WHEN I NEED A LIFT ......or cd's like "A Melody At Night With You"...so relaxing. He does it all.

The audio portion of this concert DVD is impeccable, Keith Jarrett is in top form for this solo performance. The video portion is generally excellent with Jarrett keeping his distracting vocalizing down to a minimum.

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.

I've listened to Jarrett for 30 years and no musician has meant more to me as a person who loves many genres, including jazz. This is a gorgeous CD and it would be worth the full price to just for the "Summertime" track.

Dale