Keith Jarrett Trio - Live In Japan 93/96 (2008) [2-DVD9 Set] {ECM}

These 2 shows by the Jarrett trio filmed live in Tokyo in 1993 and 1996. The material was previously released as single DVDs but has been now out of print for several years. The discs were originally issued, separately, as Live At Open Theater East 1993 and Trio Concert 1996. The 1993 set is an open air concert that tackles a large slice of jazz history from "Basin Street Blues" to Sonny Rollins' "Oleo", Jarrett's own "The Cure" and much more. The 1996 date is the filmed footage that corresponds to the trio's "Tokyo '96" CD but adds extra material.

Together with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette, jazz pianist Keith Jarrett entrances Japanese audiences this concert set, featuring two full-length performances from 1993 and 1996. On both nights the trio played a diverse collection of original improvisational pieces as well as standards ranging from Sonny Rollins' "Oleo" to "It Could Happen to You."

I'm a late convert to Keith Jarrett's music. I was turned off by the machine-like monotony of the best-selling Koln concert and was irritated by the pianist's antics–groaning and buzzing at a chord or a sequence he must have played five thousand times. But his genius grows on you. I started to connect when I heard Jarrett's Bach and Handel, and I was overwhelmed by The Melody at Night, With You. This led to a series of purchases on CD and DVD that brought me to the film under review. It is simply magnificent. Yes, the antics are still there; it's what Jarrett does. But look past them for the sound, the technique, and the incredible, swinging beauty that emerges from this splendid trio. Keith Jarrett has no equal at the jazz piano, and his overall talent must place him at or near the top of any list of great pianists anywhere, ever.

The DVD is well-filmed and the sound is excellent. Still, here's a radical thought: Why not film a musical performance with only one or two cameras, to minimize the distractions. There must be six or seven here. Focus on the artist and his keyboard, ignoring the back of the drummer's head during a momentous piano solo. Ah, just a dream.

Personnel: Keith Jarrett (piano); Gary Peacock (bass); Jack DeJohnette (drums).

tracklist:
DVD 1

Introduction
In Your Own Sweet Way
Butch And Butch
Basin Street Blues
Solar - Extension
If I Were A Bell
I Fall In Love Too Easily
Oleo
Bye Bye Blackbird
The Cure
I Thought About You

DVD 2

Introduction
It Could Happen To You
Never Let Me Go
Billie's Bounce
Summer Night
I'll Remember April
Mona Lisa
Autumn Leaves
Last Night When We Were Young – Caribbean Sky
John's Abbey
My Funny Valentine - Song
All The Things You Are
Tonk










All thanks goes to the original releaser!