Keith Jarrett – Eyes Of The Heart

This date features some superb musicians. Although I prefer to hear Keith Jarrett in his piano trio setting, this recording captures a nice live set of his experimental work, featuring him also playing soprano, with the great Dewey Redman on tenor. There are only two tracks, split over three sides (Don't think too hard about that). Side 2 features some of the usual piano vamp/contoured improv material. However, the real highlight is the second section on side 3, a free jazz piece where (following an unremarkable noodling soprano solo by Jarrett) Dewey blows his heart out over drums and freeform walking bass. It is a very satisfying listen and an obvious hat tip to Ornette Coleman (with whom Dewey and Charlie both played). I recommend starting with side 3 actually, then come down over sides 1 and 2.

The recording is beautifully captured and mixed, with nice lively woodwinds, natural sounding bass, and some raucous drums at times.

3 stars.

the encores are out of this world. Just listen to Motian's intensity - and after a reasonable soprano solo by Jarrett it's Dewey Redman who shows how great he was with one of this best solo's ever committed to vinyl.

Side 2 is just fantastic. Hypnotic, emotional, and inspiring. I wish the audience was silent though, I would've loved to hear the transitions from solos more clearly.

Usually most ECM vinyls sound best as US pressing. Sencond best sound Germany pressing, third japanese pressing

I wonder if the tapes resided in Germany or the US. My US GH cut sounds good and as usual I worry 320 studios cut the German release a little low in the EQ.

Jarrett in May 1976 live in Germany with Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden and Paul Motian. It was released a a double LP in 1979 with three sides of music with the fourth side blank! Maybe it was because the writing was on the wall for the 'American Quartet' as it was all over after this. Some of the music is very good and Jarretts piano is heavy handed at times.