Why he hasn’t recorded one before, having such a tradition of solo-piano recordings, is a mystery. Yes, this is Jarrett’s first solo “standards” album. “I Loves You Porgy” and “Something To Remember You By” carry such moments, as Jarrett seems to overwork the material, suggesting a stiffness that need not be there. Consequently, a plainness and stateliness is heard with some of these recordings. Missing are some of those chords that have become trademark Jarrett. That sense of aloneness, with hints of melancholy, pervades such songs as the traditional “Shenandoah,” here given a gospel, hymn-like quality, or the album’s highlight, “Blame It In My Youth,” beautifully embellished as it is by Jarrett’s own “Meditation” coda.Įxcept for Ellington’s “I’ve Got It Bad, And That Ain’t Good” and his “Meditation,” there is no real improvising here, only intimate brushes with melody. Best Sheet Music download from our Library. What keeps everything “indoors” is the voice of the piano itself, having been recorded in Jarrett’s somewhat arid-sounding home studio, leaving the listener feeling somewhat alone. (Jarrett’s characteristic vocalizations play no part here.) In fact, The Melody At Night, With You suggests lullaby music, with a starry night overhead (“My Wild Irish Rose”). The music is exquisite, unnerving and disarming, as the virtuoso bypasses flourish, instead choosing to speak plainly. Not surprisingly, the playing on this solo-piano recording is subdued, but does not lack for earnestness, passion or focus. How else to explain the nature of this project? The Melody At Night, With You is Jarrett’s return to form after some serious scrapes with chronic fatigue syndrome (see DB Sept. Follow album’s title must come from pianist Keith Jarrett’s longstanding love affair with standards.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |