Keith Jarrett – Solo Concerts: Bremen / Lausanne

Keith Jarrett occupies that space at the very top of the jazz food chain, next to Bird, Coltrane, and Bill Evans. The music he creates is on a higher plane than many. A jazz neophyte, armed with such knowledge, might hasten to the store to grab The Köln Concert, or similar acclaimed Jarrett release, only to be utterly confused, perhaps disappointed on first listen. Understand, these sounds, ideas, harmonies, etc. may take years, even decades, to settle in.

I've been studying Jazz 4 decades and I'm still not there. My listening diet includes measured doses of Jarrett's solo pieces; in this manner I'm able to appreciate his greatness, still at the shallow end of the pool.

Here are several beautifully developed motifs, richly explored by Jarrett. Based in jazz, there are elements of classical fugue, blues, gospel, and other styles.

My favorite section is that short piece in the second half of Side C.

The recordings are outstanding with great dynamics. The piano sounds gorgeous and is nicely recorded. It also looks as though Robert Ludwig had a hand in the mastering. The end result is stunning.

A nice clean pressing that honors the recorded content. Four stars. Recommended.

Really enjoyable box set. I'm not sure I understood who he is or what he did. I knew the name. He's a great pianist. .