Aug 17 2021
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5
Wow, amazing! As I make my way through these 1,001 albums, I think I will look back at Jarett’s Koln Concert as the one that finally got me to appreciate this genre. I mean I didn’t need a class in music theory or have to read a critic’s detailed explanation on why I should enjoy this. I was just blown away by the music which transported me to a place where I could see this artist on stage painting brilliant scenes with his music. Really this performance has rewired my neurons to fire differently now. Bonus note how I appreciated the record producer’s decision to leave in the applause so the listener will know that the audience knew they were witnessing a magical special moment. Bravo!
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Oct 18 2022
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5
This is another prime example of the stuff I enjoy seeing pop up on this project. I have never heard of OR heard this, and the story behind it is simply amazing. In a series of mistakes, Keith Jarrett was left with an incredibly subpar rehearsal piano to perform on for a sold out audience, versus a very specifically requested grand piano befitting a piano master. What resulted was an hour of pure piano improvisation; that's right, Jarrett switched everything up and composed and played on the fly, all in a way that would fit the rehearsal piano's limited capabilities and allow for the best possible output. All the while, Jarrett can be heard occasionally stomping and vocalizing along with the work; you can tell that he feels what he's playing.
This album speaks to overcoming hurdles, being present in the moment, and being open to spontaneity; a variety of chaotic events led to this and it could have resulted in a cancellation or even a performance ruined by the limitations of a specific instrument. But instead, these events occurred, Jarrett agreed to play, and his musical genius flowed, allowing for this unique masterwork to happen, something that would not be readily replicated even if one tried.
I feel like the genre label of "jazz" on this album is a bit misleading. While I definitely hear aspects of jazz, this also resonates with some very classical solo piano qualities.
I don't want my rating to be misconstrued with the idea that I think classical music is the best thing I've heard on this project. While I do really enjoy classical piano music, I don't regularly seek it out, and it's by no means an absolute "favorite" or "preferred" genre. Rather, my rating comes from now knowing that this album is 100% improvisation on a shoddy instrument; it is a creative breakthrough birthed from chaos. This album very clearly communicates an undeniably masterful craftsmanship and an inspiring message of spontaneous human creativity. This really is something that people could benefit from hearing before they die, and I couldn't possibly rate it any lower.
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Nov 09 2021
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5
I think this album really represents something unique - a special piece of music you should hear before you die because of it's interesting story, not just because of it being an influential album. Would love to see more good, but novel recordings included in this list that have fun stories like this one. You could probably get rid of some repetitive beatles and bowie albums to fit in interesting things like this instead. ||
Moaning throughout was hilarious, and the music is great. but itis the story, the ridiculous circumstances of the performance and improv, and novelty of it all that bumps this up from a 3.5 to a 5 in my eyes.
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Nov 10 2021
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3
Nice songs, interesting background story. But 1 hour of solo piano playing ends up just being background music.
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Sep 22 2021
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5
that was actually really cool
just a dude messing around with the piano for an hour
i don’t know if i’ll be listening to it again very soon but i still really appreciated it for what it was
to think this dude could create such beautiful pieces off the top of his head just blows my mind
i love his talent and i think that album is very special to me
10/10 - no complaints, just a great album
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Dec 18 2021
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5
To simplify…a musician with a bad back who was hungry, slightly grumpy and playing a piano that wasn’t even the one he asked for and was substandard at that, improvised this piano solo.
I’m blown away by it and the talent of the musician. I wouldn’t term this as Jazz, just an absolutely beautiful piece of music.
5/5
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Sep 28 2021
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4
I've heard of this concert before, pretty sure I read about it in a book, but I can't remember exactly where! Really fascinating story though, that such an engaging concert was performed under such difficult and ridiculous circumstances.
Could have done without the moaning throughout, but maybe that's part of his style? Plus when you're improvising and suffering from back pain I won't fault somebody for making odd noises
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Jun 08 2022
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4
“I’m tired”
“I’m hungry”
“My back hurts”
“This GRAND piano isn’t as big as what I wanted”
Oh suck it up jazz wanker, play Rocket Man or something.
He did hit some decent notes though.
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Sep 12 2021
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3
If this was a footballer, it'd be Dimitar Berbatov during his career wind down at Fulham.
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Jul 27 2023
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1
I hated this one. The moaning, the extended clapping, the aimless improvisation that felt like it went nowhere for lengthy periods of times. I clearly am not the audience for improvised jazz
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Jun 23 2023
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3
I... I wish I was cultured enough to can. But unfortunately, I cannot.
I am an uncultured swine who cannot discern anything other than competently played piano. I'm going back to Slayer.
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Aug 17 2021
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5
Now this is jazz I can get behind. The first track is absolutely gorgeous. I wasn't paying close attention at first (jazz is usually background music to me), but about 4 minutes in I found myself drawn in and captivated. I ended up transfixed the entire time. Beautiful track.
The second track is outstanding also, and I love how there were so many unique motifs on this album. Too many jazz albums sound like "more of the same." This album was constantly evolving and flowing. Mind-boggling that this is mostly improvised.
I spent the day playing this album on repeat and kept finding new moments that surprised me. This is what jazz should be. Outstanding.
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Dec 18 2021
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5
I actually discovered this in the early days of the pandemic when I found myself hardly able to listen to music. This has been a constant in the period since. Technically, it’s wonderful of course, but it’s also been that bit of a lifeline for me.
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Feb 06 2022
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5
The infinite power of being at the current moment. Beautiful. I wish I was there.
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Jan 31 2024
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3
Hard to hate. But hard to love too.
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Feb 07 2022
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5
There are some amazing moments on this album. I find it really poignant those moments when he struggles to find the groove and then suddenly it hits and the flow is just incredible. Some people are bothered by his vocalizations and I admit that it can become somewhat distracting but when you learn to listen around the vocalizing, to close your eyes and let the music wash over you it is a really all encompassing experience. 5 🌟
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Mar 10 2023
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5
So so awe struck by this album. The improvised notes on a broken piano was a pure virtuoso performance of a talented master. Wish I could have heard it live. WOW
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Jun 01 2023
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5
Fenomenal concert recording. I am pretty much speechless, whatever happened to Keith Jarrett on that faithful day in Cologne was amazing. Looks like from now on I will be on a hunt for a vinyl version of this concert.
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Sep 12 2023
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5
It's improvised ????! It's soooo fucking cool, smooth yet so upbeat at the end of the first part.
What an awesome listening
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Jan 09 2024
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5
Jazz instrumentals is not my usual cuppa, but some of the playing on this one made me stomp my feet and bang my fingers on the office furniture. Not sure how much of this is down to the fact of age or the sheer musicianship on play. The guy improvises hooks that a team of songwriters would spend weeks in a studio to create.
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Feb 05 2024
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5
When I sit down at the piano, I always have the Köln Concert in mind. This is an album that worked like a little worm in my head, over many years, that slowly changed my playing, my approach to writing and performance, and my entire stance on how important it is to capture a moment is exactly as it is. Because that's what we're witnessing here: a captured moment. No artifice, no stage directions, no scene changes. Just a man versus the piano he was given.
It's so, so beautiful. You can forget exactly how special it is that we have this on tape by spending too much time admiring Keith Jarrett's playing, or wondering, "how is he that good of a player?" You can forget that your job is to lose yourself in the same moment as he was in, as the audience was, when this took place. I'm so happy we have beautiful recordings of moments like this. It's why I collect recordings like this. It's why I love jam sessions, throwing a mic up, just living in the present with my recordings. It's really an attitude toward living.
And it's SO BEAUTIFUL. God, Keith Jarrett. Thank you. A brilliantly-captured and well-deserved 5/5
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Nov 12 2021
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3
Piano-instrument only which I love. Easy to listen to and have on in the background.
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Jan 30 2023
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4
Seeing this album on the list surprised me. I haven't listened to Koln in about eight years... In fact I'd almost completely forgotten about it and the life I was leading before the bright lights of Warwick uni took me to the Midlands.
The record has a special place in my heart because the first girl I had a proper crush on and, crucially, also (briefly) dated showed me it. She was from one of the fancy schools in Bristol, could hear a song and play it back on the piano immediately, and got with me on sixth form results night.
We then went out for about six classy weeks together. It was mega. Well, until she broke up with me on an indie club night on a boat. I had to wash up in a Brewer's Fayre for about ten hours the next day, I've rarely been more broken.
The record itself is as good as I remember it. The opening section is maybe the finest solo piano performance around. It's all an improvisation and grows organically, in ways other pieces can't. Keith uses the whole piano, his feet and voice to occupy the place of an ochestra. The grunts and groans show you he knows exactly where he's going and how much he's feeling it.
Perhaps most importantly for neo-classical music, Koln is a perfomance that's also very listenable. Jarret goes wild on the keys at points but also pulls back, giving the piece and audience space to breath and take it all in.
I'd give it a five, but then again, Hettie also said I didn't kiss her enough when we split up in Thekla. You can't have your cake and eat it Ms Piano Girl.
4.5/5
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Feb 23 2023
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4
I encourage anyone who is about to listen to this record to also read about the story leading up to this performance. Absolutely ridiculous circumstances surrounding the show that really puts the songs in a different perspective. The music itself is great as well. Impressive improvisation throughout. Also surprising to me that a solo piano free-improvisation record became a best seller.
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Sep 25 2023
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4
Quite a dramatic backstory to this helps the music come alive beyond what you hear initially. I was going to make a crass analogy with my history of Doordash breakfast orders, but Jarrett's performance is too good for that. Embraces the best of both "jazz" and "classical", and makes me imagine catching this live would have been the '70s equivalent of seeing Liszt at his peak, man. Listening to this at a high school football game, where nothing happens repeatedly, may have enhanced my appreciation somewhat; think less, but see it grow. Another one that makes me glad I'm doing this project, good stuff. If you're interested, the burrito I salvaged was pretty great too.
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Sep 29 2022
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3
What a phenomenal piano player, it’s just that I miss some kind of cohesion in the songs. Still, love the sound, but miss a clear path.
Piano solo for an hour becomes background music at some point, but it still sounds incredible
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Jul 11 2023
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3
All very pleasant. I do like piano music, think of I could choose any instrument to be a master of, it would be the piano.
The live recording of the concert made me feel like I've had a glimpse into a world which I wouldn't have experienced otherwise.
Bravo
He looks like Howard Moon on the cover.
Probably won't listen again, but glad I did!
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Sep 25 2023
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3
1. At last I get to listen to the full length Barry Norman theme.
2. This is the music played in Mel Gibson’s retirement home.
3. This album was better when they had Jarrett’s original song titles: “Sharon at the Rodeo”, “Miles Cut Yr Hair”, “Where’s My Currywürst, Vera?”, and “Tony, Get The Wheels!”
This is obviously a powerful performance in its idiom, a record beloved by many, and a demonstration of what a virtuoso can do under what were apparently crappy circumstances. This is not something that was my jam today, but ended up being decent company for the hour before we went our separate ways.
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May 03 2024
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3
Very pleasant listen. Although I thought musically it was quite repetitive it kind of grows on you. The music builds up to a crescendo. I would have put it more in a light classical genre to that of jazz but I guess the overall tone of the piano was somewhat akin to jazz. It was hypnotic listening and very relaxing. 👍
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May 03 2024
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5
Learnt from the wiki page the piano used was small and suboptimal (lacking in bass).
Does not show however in the album, beautiful piano, upbeat and intense improv runs. Liked the change in tempo and styles throughout the tracks and album/
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May 08 2024
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5
It’s honestly crazy to me that this is all improv
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May 30 2024
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5
YES I knew I had encountered this album before! A fucking monster of a solo piano record. With all the vamping that occurs, this feels very close to a funk record, basically stripped right down to the studs.
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Jun 01 2024
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5
Don't really need to listen to this, but if you insist!
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May 08 2024
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4
Well this is just delightful, one of the best piano performances I've heard. Elegant but playful and expressive. Completely enjoyable to hear. The story behind this makes it all the more impressive.
Fave Songs: Part I, Part II a
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May 13 2024
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4
So I really enjoyed the Koln Concert album by Keith Jarrett – though I do tend to enjoy piano compositions by excellent musicians… I have enjoyed some of the longer piano pieces by Keith Emerson (ELP), Rick Wakeman (Yes), and the solo artist George Winston among others, and this one was right up there with them…
Perhaps what contributed to my enjoyment, was the story surrounding it, as it’s just amazing…
- Long drive earlier in the day from Switzerland to Germany for the performance, so late arrival…
- Not much time for dinner, and then off to the venue…
- Had not slept well for several nights, and was wearing a brace for back pain…
- Had to play on a relatively crappy piano due to miscommunication of what he really needed…
- Was a live performance, and the substandard piano had pedals and key sections were barely functional, so limiting what he could actually play…
And then on top of all of this, Jarrett basically improvised all of the pieces he played that evening… It’s stunning to me that he could play that well given all of the issues that he was dealing with, and to create those compositions on the spot – as I find that truly amazing… Was awesome that the concert was recorded, and stands as a triumph of make the best of a challenging situation for sure…
Enjoyed every bit of this, and never would have found it without the 1,001… This is stellar top-to-bottom, and gets a solid 4 form me – and would probably give it a 4.25 if I could…
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May 30 2024
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4
Jazz is always a daunting genre for me, as I find myself either bored, hating it, or very rarely, in love. However, I feel like I've not gotten to encounter a lot of piano-focused jazz, let alone solely piano. I know how to play piano, or at least I like to think I do, so listening to this album, I was just in awe the entire time by the moments packed here. Many, MANY fantastic little ambient interpolations among chord progressions and passages of pure euphoria among Keith Jarrett's playing, and you can tell he is certainly into it as well, with his moaning and the such, which reminds me a little of Robert Wyatt. The first track, despite its length, has a ton of stuff to love, and is worth the price of admission, so the next three tracks are just cool bonuses. They capture the concert hall feeling perfectly, where you are solely focused on the playing, and very little else, and it can be entrancing. It is pretty long, and because of that parts of songs can feel unnecessary, but whenever a moment pops up I truly adore it all feels worthwhile. This may be a bit different of a jazz record, but it is pretty far up my alley, and I'm glad to have enjoyed it.
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Aug 06 2024
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4
Do you like the music from Peanuts but want to seem more cultured? This is the ticket - and that is not an insult whatsoever.
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Jan 30 2024
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3
This was pretty good, overall. Nice as a background sort of thing.
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Jan 31 2024
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3
Nr. 114/1001
Part I 3/5 (3x)
Part II A 3/5 (2x)
Part II B 3/5 (2x)
Part II C 4/5
Average: 3,13
Really impressive that this was completely improvised
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Aug 01 2023
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2
Very interesting finding out that this is all improv. Wasn’t really that into listening to just piano for over an hour but also didn’t hate it.
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Jan 24 2024
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2
The performance was fair, but the sounds he made throughout were weird and distracting, even for a live album, where minor interruptions and inconveniences are to be expected and forgiven.
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Aug 17 2021
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5
Wow. Infectious. Twenty seconds in and I was blown away by the beauty of his playing. I know in another post I said I enjoy lyrics too but not necessary here. I went down the rabbit hole to find out about him and this concert - pretty much just him "jamming" and figuring it out as he went. Wow. Part 1 is incredible.
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Aug 24 2021
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5
It is miraculous when you realise he is making it up as he goes along.
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Aug 31 2021
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5
Amazing. He improvised the entire thing...that's just...wow. I get why he's so revered, and this album is so celebrated. I realized as I listened to it again that it takes some effort and concentration to stay with it; then I remember they only thing my lazy-arsed-self is doing is listening. Playing this? Making it up as I go along? Whoa.
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Sep 24 2021
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5
Was amazing piano instrumental. I will listen again.
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Sep 28 2021
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5
Incredibly beautiful piano only album
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Sep 28 2021
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5
Captivating virtuoso improvised piano jazz concert performance - a wonderful achievement, all the more impressive because of the challenges and adversity along the way (the Wikipedia page is a must read to understand this album). A work of art. Thrilled to have been introduced to this music by this project.
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Sep 29 2021
View Author
5
Amazing.
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Sep 30 2021
View Author
5
Brilliant
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Oct 07 2021
View Author
5
Absolutely fantastic.
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Nov 09 2021
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5
I thought this was absolutely fantastic, crazy random vocalizations and all. I was in a near delirious state with 103 degree fever while listening so your mileage may vary.
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Nov 12 2021
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5
This album is fucking great. I listened to it twice, once in the driving range and at night when I was reading a book. I have never heard of this artist or album. Welcome to the regular music rotation.
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Nov 15 2021
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5
This is exactly the kind of thing I signed up for this service for. Never heard of Keith Jarrett before. This album is lit. Amazing solo piano jazz.
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Nov 16 2021
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5
Amazing piano! Really fantastic relaxing music to listen to
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Nov 17 2021
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5
5 Beautiful Stars
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Nov 17 2021
View Author
5
Very fun and uplifting piano music
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Dec 10 2021
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5
Good damn!
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Dec 15 2021
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5
It’s refreshing to hear such pure talent and skill. Sublime
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Jan 06 2022
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5
I am a little biased because I play piano and love it so much. But this jazz improvisation was absolutely gorgeous and I have heard so much of Jarrett before that I was worried my expectations wouldn't be met. They were surpassed. Lovely.
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Jan 10 2022
View Author
5
Cool jazz piano I saved it
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Jan 14 2022
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5
What do you mean this is all improvised?
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Jan 14 2022
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5
For some reason, the generator generated three live albums in one week or so - I can do without the humming, but these improvised jazz piano songs form definitely a piece of timeless music that never gets old.
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Jan 18 2022
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5
This was very nice music to have on in the background.
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Feb 08 2022
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5
It's amazing especially looking at the circumstances in which this concert happened. Keith Jarret had mild food poisoning, he was playing on wrong piano and there was some delay to everything that happened. Even with those hurdles he managed to perform one of the best (recorded) piano jazz concerts.
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Feb 15 2022
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5
Paraná lá, paraná lê, buê. Paraná-nara, lá-ra. Paraná-nara, lá-ra. An overall upbeat yet very emotional piano.
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Feb 21 2022
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5
Broken pianos are no match for this legend
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Feb 26 2022
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5
Saved Prior: None
Saved: Whole Album
Overall Notes: This is really really good. This is transcendently good jazz. Beautiful.
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Mar 16 2022
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5
OH MY GOD. My favorite piano record of all time! Completely improv’d- I believe this is still the highest selling solo improv record of all time. Absolutely stunning, Keith knows his way around 88 keys better than just about anyone.
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Mar 25 2022
View Author
5
FIVE STARS
An all-time classic. This record encapsulates a moment that's just simply magical. Among other things, Keith Jarrett is known for his piano improvisations drifting between jazz and classical, and this one here is a keeper that will entrance you with its melodies and intense ostinatos. Some experts will probably tell you this is *not* Jarrett's best live album, yet maybe it's just snobbery on their part. This thing here is definitely one of the best entry points into his universe (one I wish I had taken the time to know a little better--maybe in the years to come, who knows?).
As is usually the case with those five-stars albums, I won't write a full-blown review about this particular record, because others have already written wonderful stuff about it and there's not much I can add that I feel could be relevant and interesting. It's just a gem. Go and listen to it a.s.a.p.
Number of albums left to review or just listen to: 945
Number of albums from the list I find relevant enough to be mandatory listens: 25 (including this one)
Albums from the list I *might* include in mine later on: 15
Albums from the list I will certainly *not* include in mine (many others are more important to me):
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Apr 21 2022
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5
Why oh why did I wait so long to listen to this album? Growing up my father was always telling me I had to listen to this album and the whole story behind it but I never followed through. I should have earlier. I love Jarrett's piano playing here. To think it's all improvised. So fantastic.
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May 24 2022
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5
Have never heard of this concert or Keith Jarret, really enjoyed this on first listen, then after listening about the story of the live show and this was improvised blew me away, this really is a masterpiece and deserves the full 5 stars.
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May 31 2022
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5
Niet verwacht dat ik dit zo goed ging vinden! Zoals altijd luisterde ik in de auto, maar dit was dus wat is in stukjes. Als ik eens een uurtje heb, zet ik deze zeker nog eens op om gewoon te genieten
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Jun 14 2022
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5
Quite amazing. The story of course but just gets better with every listen. This was the sort of thing I was hoping to find here.
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Jun 21 2022
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5
Worth to listen and get lost in the mood
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Jun 23 2022
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5
I was very impressed just listening to this, but the backstory added another star to the score. What an amazing piece of work that almost didn't happen due to one mixup after another. I wasn't expecting the groans but somehow they added another level of authenticity. The Spotify recommendations that came after this album were great too. This definitely lives up to the book's title.
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Jul 10 2022
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5
Such beautiful playing. Easy to just get lost in
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Jul 11 2022
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5
Ratio: 100%
Fantastic, absolutely loved. Skilful piano mastery. Would recommend this to anybody.
Favs: All
Dislikes: N/A
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Jul 20 2022
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5
Was completely unfamiliar with this, and it's a pretty flawless solo jazz piano performance and recording. Gorgeous.
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Jul 25 2022
View Author
5
beautiful
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Aug 15 2022
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5
Stupendous. I listened to it three times in a row. Part 1 is especially stupendous. What he can do with two chords is just jaw dropping.
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Aug 19 2022
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5
Amazing album...must add to my collection
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Aug 22 2022
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5
Very moving pieces, with a very interesting context.
I loved hearing the reaction of the audience when the improvisation became amazing.
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Aug 22 2022
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5
Loved that album! The live sounds really bring something and make you feel like you were taking part in the show.
Learning about the circumstances of the recording, how the concert was almost canceled, how there was a mistake and the piano he was playing was bad quality and had broken pedals, how the pianist was sleep and food deprived at the time of the concert but he still managed to improvise maybe the best piece of his career, makes the whole thing seem almost magical!
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Aug 22 2022
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5
Wonderful way to spend the morning.
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Aug 22 2022
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5
Stunning. Beautiful and spare and amazing.
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Aug 29 2022
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5
I love hearing someone so into their music as he is. The pure joy is captured by his yelling and foot stomping. There are few musicians who captivate an audience by paying solo than Jarrett.
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Sep 09 2022
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5
Quelqu'un dans les commentaires a dit que c'était comme de la musique de fond.... Pas d'accord du tout. C'est un des meilleurs albums de Piano original que j'ai écouté de ma vie. L'heure passe très vite et on passe par toute la game des émotions. C'est plus facile à digéré qu'un album de Jazz traditionnelle comme il y en a dans cette liste. Ca sonne vraiment comme une tonne de brique et c'est un delice pour les oreilles. Je ne connaissais pas et je suis très contente de me prêter à l'exercice de cette liste pour découvrir des bijoux comme cela. 5
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Sep 15 2022
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5
I did not immerse myself into Keith Jarrett until 78 (freshman year in college) when someone on my floor played the Sun Bear Concerts non-stop. It was (and still is) tremendously impressive to me and I was hooked. I quickly worked back and discovered The Koln Concert. Jarrett's solo piano explorations are not for everyone, but I find them utterly compelling. To call this jazz is not fair and Jarrett defies categorization. He utilizes rhythmic, almost hypnotic, motifs that shift to other related motifs in an impressionistic manner. This repetition is more akin to pop music than jazz, but the elements blend jazz, classical, gospel and folk seamlessly. I think is essential listening.
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Oct 01 2022
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5
A masterpiece. Just stunning music.
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Oct 03 2022
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5
Too lit to use as study music in the background. Catchier than I expected a piano jazz album to be, and I like the little moments where Jarrett is vamping and can't help making sounds like even they can't believe what they're doing.
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Oct 05 2022
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5
Absolutely incredible
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Oct 06 2022
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5
Editors get this one right: "a monument to musical possibility." The idea that the best jazz is built on spontaneous composition (aka improvisation) is the first among many reasons that more jazz records should be included on this list. Jazz is a fundamentally diffrent game than verse-chorus-verse-chorus pop songs (no matter how clever) or rock bands doing endless power chords (no matter how magisterially). Certainly there are ample KJ releases that are worthy, though this one is unique in its mostly uplifting vibe (again, kudos to editors for noting that). One feels more soul in this work than in other drier, more academic recordings. And one doesn't have to love every single note to appreciate – and be awed by – the magnitude of effort and brilliance on display. A magical night, under sub-optimal conditions, nearly 50 years ago, still translates into a transporting musical experience today – the mark of a classic or deathbed recording in any genre.
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Oct 18 2022
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5
this album is something else. everything that could have gone wrong before keith jarrett's performance did go wrong! but for me, someone who is musically untrained but enjoys music a lot, i couldn't have even predicted any of the backstage struggles and mishaps. jarrett gave a remarkable concert and every second sounds so beautiful! it's also hard to believe this was improvised, and there's only the piano for the entire concert! regardless of how the concert/album came to be, it is positively wonderful. it's easy to listen to, and the backstory makes it even more fascinating. well deserved spot on this list.
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Oct 20 2022
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5
This is a live piano-only performance by Keith Jarrett. It was released on the ECM label, which has since become known for publishing their unique style of jazz known as "ECM third stream" or simply "ECM style jazz". In this solo piano performance, you will hear a poppy approach to jazz similar to jazz fusion, while hearing a sound that is grounded in western classical music, thus creating a new approach to the third stream. The end result is beautiful piano music that is much more accessible through it's jazz fusion hooks.
It is doubly impressive, perhaps, that this performance was done on a rehearsal baby grand piano that was in no shape for a proper performance: largely out of tune, with a weak lower register and pedals that didn't work. The compound on the issue, Jarrett was overtired from travel and had barely any time to eat a meal before the concert. By all accounts, this performance should have been a disaster. And yet, what we hear is fantastic. Not only was Jarrett able to work around the weaknesses of the faulty instrument, but his improvisational skills shined through to deliver a magnificent night of music. His approach to jazz is electric.
I struggle to find faults in the music; it simply does not bore me. Pure artistic beauty was captured 24 January 1975 in Cologne. There was something in the air.
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Nov 04 2022
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5
Прослушано! Просто великий альбом, слушать и слушать.
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Nov 19 2022
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5
So here we finally get to hear the album that every English kid's dad owned, I've just been waiting for this - and? It doesn't disappoint. I mean it has to be the best-selling piano recording in history for a reason right?
Take some time off and give this the attention it deserves. Read up on the making of the album and Jarrett while doing it.
Special.
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Dec 02 2022
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5
Love this record. It’s such a journey.
Tough to explain how it feels. Expression of totally unique emotions and ones that feel universal and ones that are more transitional or ambiguous but are so specific to this recording. Sometimes totally introspective and sometimes joyous. I love the peaks and valleys and the searching and development and hearing him find inspiration in real time. There are so many amazing moments in here and it’s the context of all of it that makes them feel so satisfying and earned.
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Dec 05 2022
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5
Finally a reason to include a live album in this series. While all live albums capture a short period in time this one stands out. The pieces didn't exist prior to the concert and, for this, has merit alone. But the compositions, the flow, the interactions are bold and tantalisingly engaging. The early thought that this might be suited as a background accompaniment so dissolved and it became engrossing. For a first listen for a hitherto unknown (to me ) artist this is something.
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Dec 05 2022
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5
Extremely unique, especially in the context of this list. From the first notes played, it's obvious this is someone with command of the piano, and a clear idea about what they're saying with it. Despite the long tracks, I found this engaging, even mesmerizing, the whole way through.
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Dec 13 2022
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5
good album
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