From his body language while playing to his unique, free flowing improvisations, there is nobody like Keith Jarrett.
This is from AllMusic:
Pianist, composer, and bandleader Keith Jarrett is one of the most prolific, innovative, and iconoclastic musicians to emerge from the late 20th century. As a pianist (though that is by no means the only instrument he plays) he literally changed the conversation in jazz by introducing an entirely new aesthetic regarding solo improvisation in concert. Though capable of playing in a wide variety of styles, Jarrett is deeply grounded in the jazz tradition. He has recorded nearly 80 albums as a leader in jazz and classical music. And he has won the Down Beat Critics Poll as a pianist numerous times — including consecutively between 2001 and 2008. (Continue Reading…)
Jarrett has played for years with drummer Jack DeJohnette and bassist Gary Peacock. NPR also offers a profile of the pianist:
Whether playing solo or in an ensemble, Jarrett has always taken improvisation to its highest degree. When playing solo, he often begins with no music or preconceived notions. His top selling 1975 album, The Koln Concerts provides ample testament to Jarrett’s prowess on the piano. Incidentally, when Jarrett improvises, he really doesn’t hear the piano. (Continue Reading…)
Above is “Summertime” and below is “God Save the Child.”
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