Hi all! Last night I had the remarkable pleasure of seeing Keith Jarret live in Vancouver at the Orpheum Theatre!!! Keith with Gary Peacock on bass and Jack DeJonette on drums. The have existed as a trio since 1983. Well, I have been a fan of Jarrett's for over 25 years, so this was an incredible event. In the last years he has not toured a great deal as he had cronic fatigue syndromme, and the result is a much mellower player, lighter, even more fluid if that's possible! It has been over 20 years since he performed in Vancouver!
For me, there is no better jazz pianist in the world today. No one really comes close. There is something about his playing that is so unique- the minute you hear a KJ recording, you know it is him. Such a distinct style. Perhaps, someone like Brad Mehldau could reach Jarrett's heights, but I don't think he has the same level of classical training. Maybe someone like Fred Simon could enlighten us here! They played for over 2 hours- with a break in the middle. Mostly standards, but some improvisation as well. Keith is so into the music- he howls and sings like a cat, alternates between sitting and standing and moving all around- remarkable to see, really! He has a way in playing a ballad, with such quick hand movement- you think the beat is sooo fast, but yet it comes across as a ballad. Remarkable. He has been at the forefront of the German ECM jazz label for decades, and Peacock and DeJonette as well. The sidemen are as distinctive in their playing of their instruments as Jarrett is with the piano. It was an amazing treat to be part of it- and I highly recommend all of you to witness them live, if the tour brings them anywhere near you! Best, Stephen in Vancouver NP: Rainer Bruninghaus- Freigeweht another great ECM pianist
