Keith Jarrett: Vienna Concert
Label: ECM Catalog: 5134372 Format: CD It is permitted to disapprove of Keith Jarrett, despite the years of adulation which have accumulated behind his peculiar brand of virtuosity which somehow juggles spontaneity with an almost preternatural awareness of form. However, even his detractors can usually be persuaded to agree that this particular solo piano disc is an essential item. Opinionated, assertive and with a strong collaborative instinct, Jarrett nevertheless seems to function best when left to his own devices. There have been plenty of other recordings of the pianist's solo performances, of which The Sun Bear Concerts--a galumphing set of six CDs or, originally, 10 LPs--is perhaps the most often alluded to. Even on his own terms, though, Jarrett has had his faults. If he realises he's taken a performance up a blind alley, he will, notoriously, often carry on regardless rather than suffer the indignity of abandoning an idea. His expositionary passages can be laboured, self-conscious and almost patronising in their sheer over-statedness. When he manages to leave all this baggage at home, however, his melodic sense, beautifully monstrous harmonies and structural inventiveness are unsurpassed. This disc preserves just such an occasion. --Roger Thomas Price: $15.98 |