Keith Jarrett: Staircase
March 10th, 2007
I have one thing to say about this solo piano album by Keith Jarrett… Hourglass Part II. It’s utterly sublime if you find the time to really sink into the music.
This album was recorded in Paris, France in May of 1976. According to Keith Jarrett’s biography the piano was an excellent sounding Bosendorfer concert grand. And although Bosendorfer concert grand pianos are said to have a slightly darker tone than Steinways, the studio recording has an exceptional warmth to it, originally leading me to believe that it was a Steinway grand that was used.
Nevertheless, this album is truly a work of art, divided into 4 distinct sections: Staircase, Hourglass, Sundial, and Sand. And within each section there are 2 to 3 movements.
Forget the Koln Concert, and all the other live albums; this is the best Keith Jarrett album I’ve ever heard. It’s not always melodic, but when it is, it’s just beautiful, and when it isn’t, it still moves me. The whole thing has a timeless quality that has to be heard to be understood. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if this is eventually considered one of his most important recordings.
Actually, I like this person’s quote from Amazon.com, except that I wouldn’t forget The Koln Concert, no way… but I agree that Staircase is one of his most important recordings, and is one of the rare improvised solo piano albums he’s recorded in the studio. Most of his solo piano recordings are “live”.
March 12th, 2007 at 7:20 pm
My God! How come I’ve never heard about this before? I MUST GET IT NOW!
Actually, I think it will be the perfect gift for my husband on his birthday, the 17th of March. And only 3 days for me to, before he opens it and puts it on..:-)) *grin*
Thank you, thank you and Thank you!
March 13th, 2007 at 3:25 am
KC: that’s awesome!
oh, i think you’ll really like this album, because it was (i believe) the next piano album following the Koln Concert and was likely overshadowed by it.
nevertheless, the improvisations on Staircase are more similar in style to the Koln Concert than his later live piano recordings. and i really feel the piano and studio recording is superior.
in Jarrett’s biography, he wasn’t very happy with the piano he played on the Koln Concert. it was inferior and the mid range notes were especially a problem. but because of his genius and creativity, he made it work and the Koln Concert is possibly his best work because of his overcoming this obstacle. also, he and producer Manfred Eicher had been rushing and driving for most of the night to get to the concert, so Jarrett was very tired.
March 13th, 2007 at 3:45 am
There is a biography? *lol* Looks like I will have to look these things up now. I was just happy with the music, little knowing there was much better stuff out there! And now i realize that i was like the frog in the well who was happy in his small world, not knowing that there was a world of better, more beautiful things waiting out in the ocean…*lol*
Thank you for opening up my world. :D
And Wow!
March 15th, 2007 at 8:32 pm
Can you believe they didnt have the Staircase at the Tower Records in Shibuya, where i normally shop for my CDs…? And they told me since it is out of production, you cannot place any orders for it either…*sigh* Looks like it’s time to go hit amazon.com…:-(
May 9th, 2008 at 7:21 am
I love your having made the connection between music and the ever present zen awareness available to each of us if we have the courage to look. I have gotten into a very personal habit of selecting one of Keith Jarrett’s solo cd’s at night just before bedtime. I lower the lights and allow myself to enter into a very quiet space while listening to Mr. Jarrett. His performances are so deeply personal and intimate and they are the perfect tonic for releasing the tensions of the day and slowing your thoughts and heartrate before going to bed. Indeed, since I started doing this practice, I have slept even deeper than I use to sleep (and I have always slept like a baby!)
I just ordered Staircase on your recommendation. Thank you!