The Köln Concert

i adore this album. it inspired me to listen to other Jarrett albums, but nothing is quite as passionate or emotional as this one; it’s the best live album i’ve ever heard

I've always wanted to visit Germany. It sounds fun.

I feel that this might be the best jazz album I might ever get and that feels like it’s cheating. Most of the jazz albums I’ve gotten are your typical jazz albums: saxophones, drums, syncopated beats, etc. Some of it was good, some of it was not, and most of it I have not retained. Truthfully, it’s been kind of a boring genre and seeing my next album be an hour-long live jazz album, I wasn’t super confidant that I would like it. This, however, isn’t standard jazz. It’s something more, that I feel that the basic label of jazz doesn’t do justice to this album. This is background music that refuses to be background music. It’s insane to believe this was entirely improvised. The music just naturally comes to him and it never gets tiring or boring or one-note; the same trappings some other jazz albums I’ve encountered fell into. That audience got more than what they paid for, despite the story of how Murphy’s Law nearly fucked this concert over. I will say that, as a hour-long concert with some long songs, there might be some very slight dragging here and there. And I’m not really a fan of the moaning Keith does every so often. It’s his thing, I know, and I respect that it means his getting into the music himself. But it still feels really weird to me and it’s a little distracting. However, this might be the peak of jazz personally for me. Favorite track: Part IIc Other hits: the rest of the concert

Enjoying this took me by surprise.

I can't believe this was improvised.

It’s a piano concert…

I never realized how blindingly bright my flaming anger towards jazz piano is

Proto-Muzak.

Beautiful music, and the story behind this whole concert is wild too. It's almost hard to believe that it's all improvised and not just put together from pre-prepared segments Standouts Part I 4/5

A very talented pianist but I have to admit I got bored listening to this one. Rating: 3

I never knew I would enjoy one hour of piano improvising this much. This never got boring at any time and his playing is just incredible (I can only dream of being able to play the piano like this). The backstory behind this concert is very interesting as well. This list needs more albums like this.

Beautiful and relaxing.

Never listened to piano by itself for extended periods of time before, it was very enjoyable though, very relaxing, but I have nothing to compare it to since it’s my first time listening to something like that.

It’s some really damn good piano playing, but it’s still one hour of solo piano. Not really my type of jam.

The Köln Concert might be legendary in jazz circles, but to me it just sounded like any other piano recital. Sure, it’s technically impressive and has its moments, but overall, it was just decent background music. Nothing I’d actively throw on or revisit. I get why some people love it, but it didn’t do much for me beyond filling the silence.

This was soothing. I love a good instrumental album. A nice change from screaming guitars and screaming humans.

Not bad

This guy is very good. The album was very good. But this type of music just aint for me. Was great background music though while I hammered out some work.

The piano is a piece of crap. Some of the keys don’t work. Some of the remaining keys are out of tune. The audience is expecting something different. Jarrett is in a foul mood. The album is transcendent. How to work within limitations to expand boundaries A top 10 jazz album. And a must listen.

It was the worst snow storm in 30 years. The piano was an old packing crate strung with fencing wire that had been dropped out of a third storey window. Keith Jarrett had smallpox, dysentery and one leg amputated below the knee. The crowd rioted because he refused to play The Chicken Dance. It was all recorded to wax cylinder. This is one of those records where the story is half (more than half?) of the pleasure of the album, and the story seems to get embellished with every telling. Really, this just 65 minutes of pleasantly lyrical improvisation, vamping over a few chords. But people talk about it like it's the Taj Mahal of improvisational jazz (which it ain't). I find this to be pleasant dinner party wallpaper. It's unchallenging piano bar jazz. It's jazz for people who want to tell you how much they like jazz, but don't actually like jazz. It concerns me that you can get the transcripts (arranged for piano or guitar!) for this album, and that people are learning it note for note. That's missing the whole point, people -- this was a moment in time, now go forth and improvise your own thing! I think that Keith Jarrett would agree. 2.5 stars, rounding up because it really is a great story, truth be told.

He’s obviously very talented. Just not for me. At all.

Fine piano concert, can't fully appreciate purely instrumental right now. Lose focus too easily and less for me to get hooked on compared to regular music.

This was good and I'm sure has some major reason to be in this list but I am failing to see it

Another album where the artist is clearly talented but the music doesn’t do much for me.

Not my cup of tea. Fiddly piano good for background music to fill space but not something I would go out of my way to listen to. I’m sure it’s iconic in the right circles

Beautiful, atmospheric piano music

I've never been big on jazz. I've enjoyed my share of Miles Davis, and Dad would put on Spyro Gyra in the car when I was a kid, but it's not a genre I seek out. And sadly I didn't get too much out of this album. It's interesting that this is the most successful solo jazz album ever, and it's certainly pleasant to listen to. But to me, it mainly felt like background noise as I work. Maybe that's the wrong mindset to listen to it but I don't see myself sitting down and dedicating time to listening to it again. It's fine, pretty good, even. Not really my thing, though. I listened to it a second time. I don't think my score will change from 3/5 but I will say the performance is incredible. Apparently reviews called it "flowing with human warmth," which feels appropriate. It's immensely impressive, but still not my vibe.

That was quite pleasant. Definitely a needed chillness.

Classical piano! I was starting to believe the genre would not make this list. My brothers would be thrilled! Me, not so much.

Not for me.

****a beautiful piano instrument al album

Not my favorite but I recognize a lot of the technicalities of his work are probably beyond my comprehension.

Pretty fucking boring

Sophisticated music for sophisticated people. I always enjoy hearing this. Couldn't hum a single second of it, but I can't deny it's obvious quality.

Great start of the album. Loved it overall, but it got a but too busy hearing it back to back. To listen to again.

Ok very long and didn’t interest me much.

Not my normal jam, but pretty good

What a wonderful thing to be lost in.

It's a really nice album, it highlights how a master of a single instrument can create an incredible experience. The back story about the recording makes it even more impressive. There were periods where it got slightly repetitive, but nothing too bad.

Unbelievable. One of those meteoric pieces that the world conspired in a bunch of mistaken ways to birth. Jarrett’s felling and genius comes through in every note. He made this instrument sing like only a true virtuoso could. This very much deserves to be the best selling solo jazz album. Going to buy a copy now.

good listen

Pleasant piano plinkering. The performance is positively plonkers. Maybe a bit too free-form. Would prefer it to be more melodic. I can hear especially one guy yeling in the background... Might be the performer, or someone in the audience. I thought I'd enjoy this one, but it's kinda disappointing. 2/5

Gear: DCA ÆON 2 Noire Artwork: 🎹🧔‍♀️😑 Production (50): 🎧😘🤌 Music: 🎹🌀😌 Rating: 🏰🏰🏰🏰(🏰)/5

This is simply 1 hour of piano background music.

I had a friend who said "Why would I go and watch **** live? I can listen to all their songs perfectly on CD." For me, this album is the reason. Songs shouldn't exist in one perfect form - they are living, evolving things. And on this album, with Keith Jarrett improvising them from the musical either, that is demonstrated to perfection. He shows music isn't about the best piano, the best rehearsed, the best produced. It is also about the immediacy of the moment. My only problem with this album is that it sometimes reminds me of the theme tunes to those 80s US law dramas! They really spoilt melodic jazz for me.

1 hour for 4 songs? Classical jazz? dude.

Too long, very good pianist. Was great for emails but I’ll never think about this again.

Can't get into solo piano. It's not bad and I can see why someone might really like it. Just not my style.

Super evocative. Loved it

Lifting soothing and moving

Wasn’t really into Jazz before but then I heard this and was stunned, it’s good background music while doing dishes and cleaning up around the house

Do yourself a favour and find a quiet spot put on some headphones and enjoy the ride.

Mister piano Tapping keys oh so lively Lovely jazzy day

I probably need a few more listens to really unpack and get a true feel for this record, but I’ll gladly do so. This is an actual “record you need to hear before you die”, I think, and I wish there were more like it on the list. Jarrett’s playing is dense and complex, with many moments of absolute beauty. That it was improvised live is even more impressive.

Для того чем является - хорошо. Но так как это лайв альбом то естественно нашёлся какой-то индивид который периодически выкрикивает свои восхищения. Я конечно все понимаю, но знай мужик из 1975 года, ТЫ ГАВНЮК!!!

Solo Jazz piano crossing over into a quiet small 70s drama soundtrack - brilliant

Never would have listened to this if it weren't for this project, and I loved every minute. Absolutely worth reading the wiki article for the background of this recording.

Wow, the story behind this is kind of wild. The music is incredible as well. This isn't the type of music I typically seek out so there's a good chance I would have never heard it, but this is exactly the kind of stuff I love finding in this list.

Piano, idk how this one was influential

This was beautiful. Like, this was actually beautiful. After learning the story of this album, this is genuinely one of the best albums I've ever heard. Knowing this is the best selling Piano and solo Jazz album of all time, just makes me happy. Truly incredible this whole thing was improvised. Truly a miraculous album.

It's good for listening to while working

Unexpected and delightful

Sweet piano music, highly recommend.

Not my cup of tea

This was beautiful. This is exactly the type of album I was hoping to discover through this project. Keith Jarrett is insanely talented and I'm blown away by how phenomenal this album is.

Wasn’t a huge fan

4 songs, over an hour, but I liked it

This piano man did not sing us a song tonight. And I’m kind of OK with that.

Good background music, but jazz with only a piano is rarely enough.

Do you like lots of excellent piano with occasional Woots? Then this is the album for you. Excellent background music.

Just an amazing album. He's a genius.

I really liked this. Not normally something I would have listened to, but I'm glad I did.

As a jazz fan, this is one of those albums that I've always heard of it and have thought I really gotta check it out one day but just never have for whatever reason. I'm glad I did though because it's totally incredible. And the history is even more incredible, considering he almost didn't play that night, improvised the whole thing and his piano pedals were broken. It's obviously the kinda record you gotta be in the mood for given it's just a dude and a piano. But man, it's good stuff

This one-man jam session is a lot to take unless you are really invested in the nexus of jazz, minimalism, and new age as well as advances in recording piano overtones in a room. I bet 25% of the people in Köln that night had their life changed and the other 75% were looking at their watch and questioning the renewal of their season tickets. I'm into it, but I get why you aren't.

This is nice. I read that this performance was 100% improvised, which is impressive. I'm also guessing from the crowd noise that the Part II c/the fourth movement/whatever you want to call it was an encore.

There's no denying the virtuosity on display here, but I just can't get into this record as much wish—and I've tried several times over the years. Just isn't a vibe I usually go for.

Pleasant enough but not my bag. Thought I recognized a variation on "Fly me to the Moon" toward the end but otherwise this was unfamiliar to me. Reading the backstory of this LP makes me understand its place in the canon more, but I'm too ignorant about improv to really get this.

I always grab ECM releases when I find them out in the wild. To mixed results. But always a fun gamble. I don't know that this feels like jazz to me, but it's nice. Really glad I listened to this one. This is the kind of discoveries I was hoping to get out of this list. The Wikipedia article is worth a read, BTW. Sounds like everything that could go wrong did go wrong with this concert and yet, he pulled off something pretty amazing in the end.

Background music

puh

Nice but kinda felt like there should have been lyrics over it. Not virtuosic enough in its own right

This a fine listen, and there’s no denying Keith Jarrett’s talent as a pianist, but The Köln Concert didn’t really pull me in. While the improvisation is impressive, it gradually faded into background music for me. It’s easy to appreciate the artistry, but it’s not something I felt fully connected to.

1 - I’m not going to listen to a whole hour of this, really not what I like in music

Leuke piano gepingel

This dude is moaning and groaning like he’s getting sloppy toppy while playing the piano but it’s nice enough music for a 60 degree day (which it was yesterday)

This album is one where I know it's at least a 4, but I could see it going up to a 5, if I find myself going back to it frequently enough. This also inspired me to check out more of Keith Jarrett's stuff, who I'd never heard of before. I really appreciate his playing style, which reminded me a bit of Gould. I'm putting my favorite track as the last one mostly out of necessity, because while I prefer part 2, it's split across 2 tracks and so doesn't really function as 1 song. I also really got a kick out of the synchronized clapping at the end. Edit: I'm moving it up to a 5! Favorite Track: Part II c

Perhaps right place right time, but found this album beautiful and relaxing, except for a few random out bursts that happen throughout. But not sure if I could be able to name the album or artist if I ever heard the pieces again

Got me into some reading a book on the train core. I was listening to the beautifull piano sets and the time passed unseen

Another jazz album I enjoyed a lot more than I thought I would. Maybe I just like jazz. If in 50 albums time, I decide I actually like prog too then this project will have been truly life-changing.

My cat hates this. Sounded pretty good to me, but only got through 17 minutes, before I was told to shut it off.

Definitely did not need to listen to this before I die. It was fine. It sounds like something I would be forced to listen to with eyes shut after being cornered at a small gathering of acquaintances by the brother-in-law of so and so who reminds me of “sensitive pony-tailed man” from Singles or Rickon from Severance.

This is fine. I think that I am going to give a 3 to all albums that don't really do much for me but are clearly from a genre that I am just not into. It did grow on me though. And I enjoyed reading the Wikipedia page about Jarrett and learning what an important figure he is. (He's still alive! He sued Steely Dan! He was referenced by Steve Buscemi's character in a Sopranos episode!) The album having 45 seconds of clapping at the end seemed unnecessary.

Nice programming music

I truly never know what I'm about to get when I see the "jazz" genre tagged. And here I thought the purpose of genre was so you knew what to expect. I dug this. A lot. I found myself closing my eyes so I could concentrate on the music. Before today I would have said jazz wasn't for me. Maybe it's the piano? Maybe I just need to be exposed to more jazz? Maybe it's me who changed? (doubt)

3/5 It's good. But it's too similar entire album and 1h of it does get tedious.

Learning not to trust my preconceptions. An hour of live solo piano improvisation from 1975, what could possibly be worse (musically that is)? Well … Keith Jarrett has joined the jazz and classical oceans to create a beautiful recording that carries so many moments of musicality it is extraordinary.

I saw everyone commenting about the circumstances of this concert, I thought it was going to be Cold War related. In reality it was just the youngest concert promoter in Germany (18) making youngest concert promoter in Germany mistakes. Very impressive performance nonetheless.

Jazz. Interesting. Never heard of this artist. I will listen to some of this. very beautiful piano work.

It's not really an album in the same way all these others are albums. It's a concert that was somewhat improvised. The play is really remarkable but it didn't feel right to be on the list given the context

Where has this been my whole life? Absolutely beautiful piano. Not only will I be returning to this often, I will be seeking out much more of his music.

5/10

One of the greatest concerts I ever attended was a piano improvisation by Terry Riley in the Whitla Hall. It was gentle, hypnotic and very moving. An hour of harmonically simple, but beautiful music never to be repeated. As impressive as Keith Jarret's playing is here, I wouldn't describe it in the same terms. Jarret's stylistic range is broad and, while the transitions from mode to mode are masterful, the whole is a remarkable jumble. He grunts and moans, like Glenn Gould, another furious brain. He races through a thousand ideas, but not to arrive at any particular place. Never gentle. Never hypnotic. Never moving the listener because it is always itself in motion. Of course, I wish I had a modicum of that ability. But if this sounds like criticising something for what it's not, rather than what it is, I completely agree. This is a live performance, not an album, and, where I there, I would experience it differently and perhaps I would be as affected as I was as Riley cycled through all those Is and Vs. As an album, it is buoyed more by its story and its audacity, than by its musical content. Still, for story and audacity alone, it warrants a 2.5-ish. I gather from a quick perusal of the Wikipedia page for this concert that there is quite a bit of mythologising about it, taking in the physical and emotional state of the performer, the story of the little piano that everyone underestimated, and of course the fact of a live solo jazz piano record that sold millions of copies. I am glad this music has all this fascinating backstory because it needs it. It’s very nice. I would be happy to eat at this restaurant and I would tip the performer. A lot of the time the left hand is purely hypnotic. In the right there are sweet and tasteful dashes of melody - creating classy ambience for you and your date. If conversation isn’t flowing there are distractions and prompts to be had as well. Ooo this chunk is very fast, isn’t Jazz fun? Oooo this chunk sounds like Rachmaninov. Do you like classical music? No? Me neither really. What music do you like? Rap? Oh fuck off, Rap isn’t music. It’s just the same two bars of music over and over again and some dude talking. Aye granted that’s a bit like what this fella’s doing but this is jazz, I think, so he could do something else if he wanted - and he might - and there’s all sorts of thinking going on here; probably, I haven’t been listening. Sorry if I was rude about the music you like just then. Rap can be fun. I know all of the words to Rollin’ by Limp Bizkit… 2/5

Beautiful, great full set that was perfect to start my day with.

Very pleasant piano concert. A lot more interesting than other piano sets I've come across. Nice!

Woof. This was tough listening. Two stars for talent. One star for how much I enjoyed it. Part 1 is this just soft piano music?- yup, it's just soft piano music Part 2a how can you tell the difference between parts? Part 2b I mean the guy is talented Part 2c this is a weird fusion of jazz, without any soul, classical and easy listening I wanted to make this two stars because of the talent, but I hated this in my soul.

Gave up on it.

This album is "Flow State: The Concert". Jarrett's musicianship is one of a kind, and the fact that it is almost completely improvised is an astonishing feat. That improvisation does make some parts of the concert feel like a drag as Jarrett figures out what he's going for. This definitely deserves a spot on the list, but I wouldn't consider this "casual listening" material. Best Songs: Part II a Worst Songs: NA

Terrific talent. Keith Jarrett has been recommended to me for a while but this was my first listen and I was impressed. I want to explore more of his discography.

Fine for 10 mins Then extremely boring

I wasn't a massive fan of this. It was fine and I enjoyed the bits that's sounded like The Sims music. I didn't like the weird grunting and singing along noises in the background. Off putting. A bit too long. Like obviously it was impressive piano playing so I'm not saying they're not a good piano composer/performer I just didn't really give a shit

I really enjoyed this. Lovely piano, kept going. I think I was in the right mood for it. I found the random vocals completely unnecessary though.

This is the 56th album I’m rating. Back to back live albums is terrible. Especially when they are this long. Adding to my Playlist - Part II C Not Adding to my Playlist - Part I, Part II A, Part II B Part I - This would be great if it wasn’t so long. I just can’t listen to anything over 12 minutes. Part II C - This sounds great and it is the perfect length for me. All in all I liked 1/4 songs. This album would be a lot better if he had split up those songs.

just piano.

If you love rollicking piano instrumentals, you’ll dig this. To me, it all sounds the same 1001 album worthy: No - 51/96

Never heard of him. I was initially shocked that Part 1 has over 8M listens and Part 2C has over 10M listens. While pretty at times it sounded like someone noodling around on a piano for an hour to me. A 26 minute song, come on. This may be more appreciated by people who play cause it was lost on me. But I don't appreciate jazz either so this was a big miss. Not my thing but he's obviously good at what he does and has an audience. 2 stars for that but not sure what, if any, influence this has had on anything that came after it.

I just dig this.

Me 138 days ago: An hour long piano album?! Why the hell would I listen to that? Me when this generated: This sounds awesome! Bring it on. This album was brilliant and really shows how my tastes have changed since starting this project.

Amazing. Wish I could see it live. So much emotion in one instrument

It's nice, I guess? I don't get it.

quite nice ackshually

Do you think the audience lightly caressed their private parts, been so aroused by the "avantgardistic masterpiece" being played in front of them? Like I truly wonder why they cheered like Jimi Hendrix just gave the performance of a lifetime through an ouija board. This is like a guy playing the piano for one hour. That's it and for my money I would've booed him if I was there.

This is really hard for me to rate. I think on a different day, this is a definite 4, and maybe even a 5. But it couldn't have come at a worse time, and I didn't have the mental fortitude to get past my own life to give this what it probably deserves. It's good, it's interesting, it does seem to fade into the background a little too much, and if you're busy dealing with things, you'll forget you need to be listening to it consciously.

Of course, the story behind this album is incredible, as is the talent of the artist. Who could believe that this is a musical stream of consciousness and not a carefully composed suite, sweated over for weeks on end? I think the greatest moment for me was when the audience began the rhythmic clapping, in appreciation of music by a true master. The only reason I will not give this album five stars is because I would not actively seek to listen to it again, just because I'm more of a strings than piano person, and, anyway, I don't think the artist intended for the music to be heard more than once. All in all, it is awesome, and I did spend much of the listening time in a reverie, alternating between sheer appreciation of what Jarrett was doing, and a musing on the circumstances under which he produced such a masterpiece.

Gorgeous piano, lovely music

Very good music, but it's not something thst I would enjoy listening to a lot

This is magic. I won't say that I listen to this kind of music every day, but this music can make people better.

This could have been a really wonderful album. The piano was so relaxing But - what was with the random moaning? And it was way too long The 2nd half of the album was much better, and saved it 3 ⭐️

Love the album sleeve, great photo. Easy listening, great for having on in the background whilst i'm working with occasional moments to take a break and just listen.

The definition of locking in. Jarrett runs the gamut here, switching effortlessly from classical to jazz to even gospel, and it works brilliantly.

In a word: perfection. I didn’t know how I’d feel as I both love ECM but sometimes want to fall asleep out of boredom. But this is a triumph. To know that Jarrett was improvising all of this makes it all the more awe-inspiring on the soul and depth of his playing. It surpasses technical skill - these songs sway, swing, punch, lilt, and ultimately hover and linger in brilliant melodies and rhythms. Part 1 is my favorite, but 2 grew on me more on a second listen, and I anticipate there will be many more listens to come. 5/5, no doubts.

just gorgeous!!! the story behind this is absolutely worth reading too. mind-boggling solo lines over ever-evolving progressions; it's amazing how engaging he manages to keep this over the span of an hour plus. one of those jazz records where i can't help but imagine the performer in front of me

Magical

Unexpectedly exactly what i needed that day

I thought I was going to like this more. And I did like some parts. But I felt like it was just stream of consciousness noodling with no real structure to it. And that annoyed me after awhile

Absolutely brilliant. Improvisation is no easy task for a short solo, I cannot fathom the tremendous pressure of doing an hour long concert of improvised music. Jarrett is clearly a master of his instrument, and the time he put in shines in the way he plays.

It’s a 5 obvs. All this is improvised after a really shitty day. It’s just phenomenal

Great Valentine's Day dinner background music.

Very impressive! Never heard of Keith Jarrett, but he's clearly a boss.

Une improvisation solo fluide qui démontre une maestria impressionnante

6/10. I wanted to listen to this through again because I thought maybe I was being a bit harsh but I didn't get the time. Probably longest I've ever listened to pure piano and it was enjoyable, moving at times. Some phases of the album felt a bit dishevelled but I'm probably just missing the vibe there. Overall solid but occasionally overcomplicated for my taste, not just in terms of technique but also in terms of the ideas behind what is being played.

Relaxing

Very nice!

Cool story behind the concert, I enjoyed it.

I might intentionally inflate this rating since this is my mother's favorite record ever and she had told me about it many times. I really did enjoy it as well, though. Keith is a master of improv on the piano and keeps it engaging throughout with changes in the tempo of finding an interesting little rift to 'vamp' over (new vocab learned from the Wiki). Truly an impressive performance! 9/10

If you are in the right mood, this can be a really rewarding listening experience but, if not, like a lot of ECM albums, it can dissolve into background music. The story is excellent - the tired pianist, the subpar piano which meant he had to concentrate on the centre of the keyboard - and the improvised music is really well played. But there are no individual moments, at least for me, that linger beyond the listening. I would have loved to have been there, and I’m sure I will continue to enjoy it on the odd occasion. But I have a lot of great jazz albums, and there are lots I have not heard. If this hadn’t popped up, I wouldn’t have gone looking for it.

A nice piano concert. Did not enthrall me, but pleasant.

Listened to this twice while driving back from LA. Astounding live performance (maybe the best I’ve ever heard. Unbelievably dynamic & vivacious. No critiques from me. Couldn’t even fathom one.

Was an ok background music album. I won’t have to worry about any of the songs becoming an ear worm.

Absolutely beautiful.

It was OK, but I like my piano music to be more melodic

Really no idea what to make of this. Really skilful instrumental jazz which would make great background music but don’t know if I am likely to listen to it again.

Unexpected - took a while to get into it, but it's an amazing piano album.

Not really my kind of music -- I just don't think I understand this kind of jazz or have the patience for it.

teilweise chillig, teilweise stressig, 3 Sterne

3 Sterne normalerweise, aber für die Wikipedia Backstory gibts einen Extra-Stern

It’s weird - by all accounts I should have loved this album. Musically it’s obviously great. Some parts are brilliant. But as an album I found it wandering a little too much. Never fully hooked me. Maybe I needed to be in a better headspace. I’ll come back to this one when I’ve got more time to concentrate on it.

Cool story behind the album and it was pleasant. I don’t have enough context of the genre and didn’t like it enough to really elevate it to a high rating. Rating: 3.3

impressive, sure, but boring

Pretty flows nice

Wow - how did I not know about the best selling solo jazz album ever. Very hard to argue with.

This is definitely the most unique album I've gotten so far. A one hour, 4 track modern solo piano concert it was not necessarily outside of my wheelhouse, but I did not connect with this music. Felt too "contemporary" in that sort of messy kind of way. It actually kind of hurt my head. Especially Part 3. Or rather part 2B. The 4 tracks were Part 1 and Parts 2a, 2b, and 2c. "2c" was the least offensive. Even pleasant at times. And not surprisingly by far the shorter piece at 6:56 and that includes over 90 seconds of applause at the end. A Duke Ellington song came on after and it was similar, but so much easier to listen to.

Great piano music, but I would rather listen to a different genre.

Nope, the vocalizations suck. Takes me out of it. Kudos for the talent and the improvisation. But nah, I don't want moaning in my piano jazz.

Probably truly a better album than what I am going to rate it. Maybe I wasn't in the right state of mind or setting to try to listen to a piano album. I'll listen again one day in a different setting. The story is cool and dude can play well.

78% Best: Pt. IIA Must-Hear? I respect the art, and think this record is good background noise for studying or sleeping. Would I listen to it for fun? No. Therefore, unless you really like solo piano music, I would say no to must-hear.

Did I really just listen to someone improvise piano for over an hour? And I actually enjoyed it? There were some beautiful moments in this concert. Favorite Track: "Part II, A".

Piano is not my thing but this album is quite nice to listen to. The sound production is excellent. I listened on Spotify through the Harmon Kardon system in a BMW 740. It sounded very good.

I enjoyed this a lot and an interesting back story. Not sure I would classify it as Jazz though, more just piano music.

nice sound

Not really my thing but enjoyable nonetheless. Incredible that the whole thing is improvised. Will relisten. 3/5

more like this pleek

This was a great find. As someone new to piano music, I find the genre to be a whole new world, and I'm not sure where to begin. 'The Köln Concert' is a perfect starting point, offering me a wonderful introduction to Keith Jarrett's talent and paving the way for me to explore more in this musical realm.

upbeat, and nice uplifting sound

Beautiful concert. And the story behind it makes it so much cooler. Keith Jarrett was tired and arrived to the concert hall to a shitty piano that had some broken keys. He nearly canceled. But he still went out there, and delivered some incredible piano work. Those noises he makes are just from being so shocked at how good his improvisations sound. This album's a treat

Storm of ideas, versatile, very melodic and complex. With all the melody randomness feels like a window into the person's heart

I will be listening to this a lot How did I not know about it ?

Good background music, soothing would listen again

- Admittedly not something I would ever seek out on my own, but I was quite struck by this. Wonderfully transcendent at times. - Considering this is a solo effort, the amount of skill displayed is hard to describe accurately. "Impressive" seems too tame. - This cat is living proof that race is a construct.

Ничего не понимаю, но это моя музыка. Лучшая песня - Part 1.

Not my style. Very boring

Some nice parts but mostly background music. Nothing memorable to be honest.

This is the kind of album I started this project for first jazz album I think I've listened to a different style of piano than I've listened to before tracks ending with applause. Recenters the magic of live music, and the magic of a theatre space. Would be interesting to know about how the recording was made.

For me, the back story is what makes this recording magical. The power of ignorance on the promoters part, the dinged up master, the odd setting and late night early morning concert time. Go with what you have and make the best of it. With that in mind the enjoyment of hearing a master finding his way on a abused POS instrument. It was such a interesting audio journey. I found myself listening numerous times. Back story a must & mood is the other. F-Yah!

Amazing almost fully improvised performance. Jarrett shows that improvisation can sound musical and soothing. You can even hear Jarrett sing(?) along with his playing. Great example of the book getting it right by choosing a left-field record that is also the prefect introduction to the artist and maybe even the whole genre. Key tracks: Part II C

unglaublich wie musik auch sein kann! ein instrument, aber abwechslungsreich und virtuos gespielt. mir gefällt es, auch wenn es eher den rahmen des gewohnten sprengt.

Sicher ein grosser Pianist und nach mehrfachem hören gefällt sie mir immer besser.

The Köln Concert von Keith Jarrett ist eines der legendärsten Solo-Piano-Alben aller Zeiten und ein Meisterwerk der Improvisationskunst. Aufgenommen am 24. Januar 1975 in der Kölner Oper, zeichnet sich dieses Album durch seine spontane und emotionale Tiefe aus, die selbst unter ungewöhnlichen Umständen entstand: Jarrett spielte auf einem minderwertigen Flügel, der nicht für ein Konzert vorgesehen war. Trotz (oder gerade wegen) dieser Herausforderung schuf er eine unvergleichliche Performance. Die Musik auf dem Album ist ein Mix aus jazziger Improvisation, klassisch inspirierten Passagen und einem Hauch von Gospel und Minimalismus. Die melodischen Themen fließen mühelos ineinander über, getragen von Jarretts dynamischem Spiel und seiner Fähigkeit, Stimmungen auf einzigartige Weise einzufangen. Besonders beeindruckend ist die Art, wie er im Moment komponiert und dabei Strukturen entwickelt, die wie durchdachte Werke erscheinen. The Köln Concert ist mehr als nur ein Album – es ist ein zeitloses Zeugnis für die Kraft der Improvisation und die Verbindung zwischen Musiker und Publikum. Es bleibt ein unverzichtbares Werk nicht nur für Jazzliebhaber, sondern für alle, die Musik als Ausdruck von Emotion und Kreativität schätzen.

This music bores me like no other but if you're a jazz enthusiast you will appreciate that there's over an hour of classical piano jazz music on this record so there's that

20/01/25 I understand it can be seen as a beautiful album and he's clearly talented. But it was so goddamn long.

Really enjoyed this.

Calming, repetitive, solo piano

Incredible musicianship, was not aware of this album or this artist before

Fine, just not my thing. I can appreciate the technical proficiency of it, but to atonal/improvisational for me.

Like, I would not actively pay to go to this concert but it is a fine background sound

Simply wonderful!

Always a pleasure to revisit this one, and it happened to be on a day where it made for the ideal soundtrack. One of those albums where the backstory makes it legendary, but there is a certain magic to it nonetheless

We're not about to do a free-form Jazz exploration in front of a festival crowd.

genius

Really draws you in with just two hands on a piano. Is this improvised? Whoa 4.3

Prima achtergrondmuziek voor tijdens het werk

leip indrukwekkend, eerste 5/5

Good but didn’t get through it all

Jazzy

For working, it was actually not super bad. Better than half the pure shite that is sold as music here anyway. Good for you man!

Surely great in his field, but cannot listen to 1 hour of this :/

I found the sounds other than the piano quite unsettling

Nice piano.

3.5, not bad but wouldn’t put it on repeat.

I am sure it is good...I am not smart enough to understand jazz piano

Not for me. I couldn't even get through track 1. Maybe I am an uncultured swine. Take me back to pop hits with lyrics and basic beats

Did I just listen to 66 minutes of someone playing the piano?? Absolutely. Did I love every minute of it and found the deeper meaning of life while listening? You bet your fucking ass I did.

OK, so this guy is seriously good at playing piano. But that said this album is interminable. It just goes on and on with him noodling at the piano for-fucking-ever. Maybe its a good representation of jazz piano and what a great musician can do, but it doesn't make a good album. 3 stars for talent, but nothing I'll ever listen to again. 3/5

Nice instrumental

Sensational, changed the way I view jazz and improvisation

piano

Beautiful and emotional. Great background music but probably not something I'll go back to anytime soon.

For the love of god, please hire 1 (one) more musician

Read the wiki entry on why this is so special. Awesome.

there aren't many words to describe The Köln Concert or Keith Jarrett's creativity and passion on the piano. i just think you, the reader, should know three things: 1. this concert was recorded on a broken piano while Keith Jarrett was wearing a back brace, tired, hungry, and had spent hours driving with Manfred Eicher in his beater Renault cross country in bad weather. everything in the universe transpired to prevent this recording from happening and it still happened. 2. yeah, sometimes the moans are funny, but don't you wish you could do something as well and with as much of yourself as Jarrett does while playing piano? don't you want to be lost in the feeling? 3. the dual strokes that Jarrett suffered in the 2020's, thus paralyzing him and preventing him from ever playing piano again, is one of the greatest artistic tragedies in jazz and American art in general. we won't realize it until he's gone. that's all.

Never listend to classical music really, but the passion in this is insane. Really love how you can hear Keith Breath and gibibyte everything.

There was a guy in our dorm who was a virtuoso jazz pianist. We went to see him play and our jaws dropped; he was amazing. And then we left - cuz, ya know, who wants to sit and listen to jazz piano for an hour?

It was ok. Very piano heavy, but monotonous. Felt like I needed to probably be in the mood for that type of genre to appreciate it the most. 2.5/5

I still need to spend more time listening to it

5/10 Notes in no particular order played deftly. 1-6-2025

Really good piano jazz album

can not find it in my heart to care enough about this

Obviously a skilled pianist, this album was really just not for me. I found it to be boring and a little repetitive. I can see how other muscians would be inspired by the musicality though.

❤️

I’ve never listened to his music before and I’m not sure if these pieces are improvisational or not but regardless this live album is a demonstration of pure talent and accomplishes everything it could.

Not for me

Mhh… Not really my type of music, but quite relaxed in places. I quite liked Part II b (more at the end). There were a few quiet, very melodic moments on the piano. Also, it’s kind of cool that the concert took place in my hometown.

Breathtaking, beautiful music. I just listened to “Pt. I” and it’s one of the most stunning pieces I’ve ever heard. Keith Jarrett is an amazing performer. He moves from classical to jazz to Beatlesesque pop all in the same piece. It flows wonderfully and with a playful spirit. There were moments too when I could hardly believe one person was producing all of this sound live in concert. There are passages of stunning, fluid music that sound heavenly. What a gift. I look forward to listening to that again. “Pt. II A” is delightful! It reminds me of Vince Guaraldi’s “Linus and Lucy.” It has a bluesy style (man, is there any genre this guy can’t fold into his music?!). I love these occasional moans you hear from Jarrett. I’d love to see a video of him performing. I can imagine he’s a very passionate performer.

Amazing all-improvisational performance. I couldn't imagine having an album of all improvised pieces like this and have it sound 10% as good as this does. It's filled with great ideas and moments, and the production is one of the best a piano has ever sounded on a recording, I really feel like I'm in the room with it. Such a crazy story too; this concert was put together by an 18 year old concert promoter, started at 11:30pm, and was with a "warmup" / backstage baby grand piano (instead of a massive Bosendorfer) due to a logistical error. Jarrett had back pain and had to wear a brace, he didn't have time to eat much before the concert, it's a whole slew of oddities that add to the mystique. The music hits so many different dynamics; it's beautiful and grand and intimate all at once. I hear classical music, blues, jazz, and even some pop music ideas in there as well. Beautiful all around.

Ja, doch, …!

Surprised I enjoyed 1hr of solo piano. Very emotive but trailed towards the end. Notes that this should be listened to in one sitting.

Love all the instruments. Great music to fall asleep too. Very soothing

I can't deny that he is a good piano player. However, his pieces are too long and I find them becoming monotonous to listen to them.

5* for Pt.1; 3* for the other 3 parts.

I was incredibly surprised at not hating this. I do think that he descends into the usual piano-wank at some points, but it’s hard to argue with the sheer skill on display. I think this would have been a 5 if it was shorter, but an hour of solo piano and applause is a lot.

What a beautiful album! What a wonderful surprise this album/performance was! An instant classic to add to my rotation.

wow, went in really not knowing what to expect. This is quite a journey. I was surprised at the emotional landscapes it got me to. It started airy and light but at some point in the first track I felt claustrophobic and my chest started feeling under tremendous weight. This is really something. Not sure if I'll listen to it again of my free will, but it's something. Also, I read that this is jazz improv, but it didn't sound like jazz improv, more like... classical improv? Anyway this is truly something I'm better for having known. Easy five starts.

not really my thing

I like it

After reading the story of how much effort was put into Keith actually performing and all the fuck ups that nearly canceled the performance it really makes me appreciate more how nice the album sounds, definitely gonna listen to this another time under the influence of smth

Nope, this isn't for me. I'm aware of Keith, and the problems behind this recording...and I'm sure true Jazz enthusiasts will find a lot more enjoyment that me in this. Alas, I am a heathen, and this sounded like "You've got an hour to fill... get out there are do some random piano noodlings." Rating is for my personal enjoyment of the piece.

I'm surprised how much emotion this piano has, I was initially dismissive of it but there is obviously a lot of heart here.

Concert where the piano hits all the right notes and the audience hits the wrong notes.

Nice but not my jam.

Completely new album to me. This is great, Keith Jarrett can rip the piano

Enjoyed this introduction to Keith Jarrett. It was amazing to hear one instrument sound like many. I am not typically an improvisational-style jazz listener, but found this compelling.

didn't do much for me. good piano playing but felt kind of kitschily classical almost. I think I'd definitely like it more on a relisten though

amazing talent

It was okay as background music. Not my fave genre. 2/5

cool piano stuff yo

Feel like I should have liked it more than I did.

Never heard of this album or artist before - another rare gem from this generator. Absolutely loved this, even though I normally disapprove of live albums being included. The difference here is that the entire piece was apparently improvised, and there is true intimacy in the recording. The piano playing is great, and I love hearing the moans and grunts of Jarrett as he plays. He really seemed to be in a state of pure flow.

After some 'research' , I found out that this is fully improvised. This could possibly be some of the best piano playing/chops I have ever heard. Some parts are quite tempo-based, but some are free and stop-startish. In a way it feels like a bridge between jazz and classical, which works very well in both directions. The only real 'negative' for me is that some parts feel like they get a bit stuck, and can last a little too long going nowhere (however it is a live album so..). I'm not even going to say that the fact that it only has piano is a downside, as its not trying to do anything else/doesn't really feel like it needs anything else. Favorite songs: Second till last, and most of the first). Overall around 8/10

Sometimes a factor in the the assessment of an album is where or how it was created. This is the case for The Koln Concert, a notorious jazz album that carries with it an incredible backstory. Check out this podcast for the details: Broken Record "Bowie, Jazz, and the Unplayable Piano" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/broken-record-with-rick-rubin-malcolm-gladwell-bruce/id1311004083?i=1000460287905

Was dreading this listen but found it enjoyable. Maybe it was just the mood or what I was doing at the time but I didn’t hate it.

peaceful background, not top 1001 tho

Found myself bored pretty early on. Just don’t really want to listen to an hour long solo of any instrument. Bet it would sound great in a waiting room though.

This was nice to have on in the background. Which is partly why it only got 3 stars. I can appreciate the musicianship but some of it just seemed to disappear into the background. I think partly, this just isn’t really my genre so it’s difficult to get blown away at any point or hear anything that grabs my attention. Like I said, it’s a nice listen, but nothing life changing.

The piano playing is absolutely superb, but an hour of solo piano improv, it’s just background music.

Ok I guess. Not sure I'm into 25 minute long improvisational pieces.

They gave him the wrong fucking piano.

Super interessant album! Prachtige jazz en dit album is dus gewoon bijna alleen maar de piano. Bizar hoeveel kracht en emotie toch uit dit ene instrument gehaald worden. Het gekreun tussendoor is echt hilarisch, haalt je ook een beetje uit de muziek maar zorgt voor een lichte toon tussendoor. Ik heb 2nummers als FAVO gemarkeerd, maar het is ontzettend lastig om daadwerkelijk nummers als favoriet te markeren. Het vloeit in elkaar over en gaat door als een enkel stuk muziek. Hoe besloten is wat de afzonderlijke stukken zijn; geen idee, ik denk dat het gewoon de limitatie was van de vinyl platen. Prachtalbum, kan soms iets te lang duren en het vraagt nogal wat aandacht, maar dit is voor mij een sterke 4 sterren!

piano.

An hour of jazz ad lib? Cool. But only piano? Not that cool. Again, I'm not a regular jazz listener so...I'd like to say it would probably like it more if it has more different kinds of instrument in it. But still, the piano is beautiful, especially Pt.II A. A solid 3.5-4/5 to me. I enjoyed it. Sometimes jazz is basically classical music.

This is of course a true classic and rightly so. What an album! Jazz can be all too academic and intellectual more than emotional, but not this album. What a feat pulling off this improvisation, live, under very difficult circumstances (wrong piano, tired etc.). This is very easy to listen to, but, luckily, not \"easy listening\". Works in the background but especially for a careful listen, wondering which direction Jarrett will take next (and the album does go through a range of \"feels\"), but it's always a good direction. A very easy 5.

It was so nice to live in this album for a while. It goes great places and keeps you on your toes. So cool to faintly hear him in the background enjoying himself. It fits in with some of its contemporaries at times, but mostly lives outside of that.

Borderline 10 but the random moans/singing? took me out of it every time

Not my vibe:/ Apesar de ser bom para estes novos cafés modernos com a tão reconhecida estética minimalista:)

Bom, mas depende muito do estado de espírito para

Pretty piano.

Bit too much piano for me. Pleasant enough though if you just want some background music.

It’s really simple but kind of wild at the same time. Feels like Bill Evans if he stopped caring about being perfect. It’s cool how it just flows, but sometimes it loses me. Quiet, slow, kind of hypnotic. Not always exciting, though.

Bästa skivan nånsin. Känner mer kärlek till denna skiva än den sammanlagda kärleken jag känner till mina barn. Finns passager som är så bra att man sprutar regnbågar av lycka. Fy fan vilket mästerverk detta är alltså.

Jag gillade det! Riktigt mycket. Lyssnade flera gånger tom. Alltid gillat piano och tycker han får till riktigt sköna melodier och rytmer. Det var liksom behagligt. Kul! Lite synd att man hör han stöna och tjoa. Det står lite, men är man inte zon så är man.

Även om det är svårt att behålla fullt fokus under en dryg timme så var det här jäkligt trevlig lyssning. Extremt imponerande att han improviserade ihop allt också.

Okay. Jazz piano. Just not my vibe.

even without the backstory, this would be stunning. wowza.

I really enjoyed this. It's jazz, but accessible and fun to listen to. Sometimes, jazz for me falls into the trap of being a bit too clever to be fun. This didn't. That doesn't mean it's not clever, but it's musical enough that you can uncover the layers for yourself, rather than having them thrust down your throat.

i mean, it's good piano, but at over an hour, i want more than just piano

Piano for days, not in the mentality right now, but ill check more of it out when i am.

Interesting for sure. Had a lot of fun with it. Deserves to be on the list but it’s not outstanding

4.5

I liked it, very relaxing. But again, I am unsure if I can jive with such chill albums.

Yeah this was unexpectedly good

Decent background while writing code

Really enjoyed this

Guys got chops i cant lie, pretty situational listen tho. Best track = Part II A

This is an impressive album, given the circumstances of its recording. Jarrett only had a broken piano during the concert. The tracks were a bit long in my opinion. A few sections were boring. But I'm still pleased by this live album. 3 stars for "The Köln Concert".

I liked this. For being nothing but solo piano, it was pretty consistent in holding my interest. Reading about the technical issues of the live performance, it's amazing how well his playing comes through even though the tonal quality of the piano itself isn't the best.

Boring one. Listened for another list. 1.5/5

Oops, forgot to post in time, but I actually listened to it today! ‘twas good, kept my attention. B

I don’t know how to rate this type of music but it sounded nice.

Too hazardous?

Really not for me. I like instrumental but this was just like on hold music

Could be manic at times which I didn’t mind. I thought the moaning was I bit lame to be kept in. I Enjoyed this.

Was nice to listen to, but theres better piano pieces out there.