KEITH JARRETT – RIO

Keith Jarrett’s The Koln Concert is one of those must have albums, a staple of many a music collection since its release in 1975. Rio will be another. A complete recording of one show in April of this year recorded in Rio de Janeiro, the solo piano performance of Jarrett here is nothing short of astounding even by his own high standards. Fifteen parts over two discs, entirely solo and improvised. In Part I you can feel Jarrett work his way into the evening, beginning with an staggered dissonance of place to allow his to connect with the audience. But by Part II that has given way to an exploration of the audience, and then together they explore the rest of the night with some of his freest improvisations yet. Nothing of his extensive previous catalogue is hinted at here, as he is truly in the zone and of the moment. Jarrett touches on but never gets restricted by jazz, classical, folk, blues, rhythm and melody. We know he can play, but his talent at the keyboard is given the freedom to flow in a way that is joyously invigorating and belies his years – both on this earth and as a performer.

**** 1/2