Jazz / Post-Bop
Recorded: April 24-25, 1974, Arne Bendiksen Studio, Oslo, Norway
Keith Jarrett - piano
Jan Garbarek - tenor and soprano saxophones
Palle Danielsson - bass
Jon Christensen - drums
On Keith Jarrett's first recording with his "European" quartet -- Jan Garbarek (sax), Palle Danielsson (bass), Jon Christiensen (drums) -- he stakes out somewhat less abrasive territory than that which his "American" foursome was exploring at this time. Garbarek sports a neutral, vibratoless tone that occasionally reaches an emotional climax; the rhythm section is supportive and just loose enough. The record operates at its strongest level when Jarrett locks the quartet into his winning gospel mode on "'Long as You Know You're Living Yours" and the tense drive of "Spiral Dance"; the reflective numbers are less compelling. Still, this LP-turned-CD successfully bucked the powerful electric trends of its time and holds up well today.
---Richard S. Ginell, AMG |
