The Out-of-Towners

Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette, Gary Peacock | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 31, 2004)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Ecm Records
• ASIN: B0002JP41O
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,001 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Swinging Affair, September 14, 2004

By 

A. Davis "astandavis" (Greenville, SC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Out-of-Towners (Audio CD)

The best way to appreciate "The Out-of-Towners" is to sit down with a nice glass of Merlot & turn the volumn up. Jarrett, DeJohnette and Peacock are seasoned friends who can shift between the blues, swinging Jazz and free improvisation and throw in a little gospel for fun. Their gumbo of Trio music is well documented across twenty plus years of playing together.

This live recording captures the group between last years "Up For It" (Recorded July 2002)and the magical May 2001 performance "Always Let Me Go". The Out-of-Towners" (Recorded July 2001) is the transitional recording and it is clear that the group was moving back to simpler & safer waters of playing Standards. This recording lacks the creative fire & free improvisation of "Always Let Me Go", but is equally strong in swing, feel and overall musicanship.

The disc opens and closes with beautiful solo piano pieces from Jarrett. Reflective & beautiful are good word choices here. In between is a gorgeous Ballad "You've Changed" and three head bobbing swinging numbers that leave you smiling. My favorite moment occurs on "I Love You" when Dejohnettes taunt and teases his cymbals while fading in and out during his solo. The magic of this recording for me is on the title track. Here the group starts out with a simple blues structure that morphs into a free flowing romp that spins and weaves for nineteen minutes of pure listening pleasure.

I love the creative ability of these musicians. They have grown to be one of my favorite listening experiences. It will be interesting to see where they go next. For now, the magic continues. Enjoy!!!!

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My daughter danced, November 6, 2004

By 

M. Galishoff "drmlg" (Lanett, Al USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Out-of-Towners (Audio CD)

I have been following Kieth Jarrett sine the early 70's and watched his music mature. After experimenting with many musical forms he has settled into mastering and reinventing classic introspective jazz.

It is like a man who left his home to travel the world only to return to his roots, yet bringing with him new ideas and freedom of expression.

It still amazes me that these recordings are live. Jarrett's unlimited capacity to improvise and create spontaineous musical moods makes each recording an experience. No other artist in any musical genre has developed this always present yet never fully captured aspect of jazz.

Clearly, these are landmark recordings that will have historical significance yet are accessable.

I was listening to this CD and my 8 year-old daughter came in and improvised a dance that captured the music in her own way.

Fine music communicates emotions and moods that cannot be expressed in words. Such was the joy my daughter experienced.

Many people find difficulty with Jarrett's intricate detail that on the surface seems minimalistic. To fully experience the music the listener must empty him/herself and allow the music to play you.

After 30+ years I still struggle to find the words. Perhaps there are none.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, August 11, 2005

By 

Joseph P. Reel (Pacific Grove, California United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Out-of-Towners (Audio CD)

While much of the same can be said about this timeless trio's previous outings, the set is not only perfectly balanced in the choice of material but Jarrett's sometimes overly-audible vocalizing is absent as well. Although, those who complain the loudest about Keith's tendencies in that direction remind me of those tightly wired types who drive their spouses or partners crazy by screaming hysterically in the middle of the night, "I hear a faucet dripping!" They seem to intentionally listen for the slightest suggestion of Jarrett's vocal exuberance. Perhaps the sound of cactus growing in the middle of the Mojave Desert would drive them to distraction.

For me, it's all about the music and I enjoy listening for the Bud Powell flavored phrasing I hear on some of the tunes rather than wasting time obsessing over minor vocalisms. The selections range from songs penned by Cole Porter and Jimmy McHugh to Gerry Mulligan and one Jarrett original. The concert closes with the Tommy Edwards `50s pop hit "It's All In The Game." Trivia: the lyrics, "Many a tear has to fall...," were written by Charles Dawes, U.S. Vice-President under President Calvin Coolidge (1925-29). While Keith performs the ballad without excessive sentimentality, it still may strike some deep chords of remembered romances in some listeners.

Jarrett leaves ample room for Peacock and DeJohnette to shine, and the group plays energetically and elegantly throughout without ever degenerating into stereotypic "smooth jazz." This is one of those rare performances that is strong enough to warrant your complete attention in the foreground or can be equally enjoyable at low volume in the background. Highly recommended.