Keith Jarrett - Setting Standards

Posted by: fishski13 on 31 January 2008

just picked this up today - a re-issue of the 3 seminal albums, Changes, Standards Vol. 1 and Vol.2 . included is a booklet with commentary and old photos of the sessions, and all in very cool LP-esque packaging.

highly recommended.

PACE

Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Lontano
It is a nice package for certain. The sound quality on ECM is very good as always but I was just a little disappointed that it did not get the remastering treatment as was originally planned for this rerelease. It would have been interesting to hear how ECM would have remastered this.

Lontano
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by fishski13
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
It is a nice package for certain. The sound quality on ECM is very good as always but I was just a little disappointed that it did not get the remastering treatment as was originally planned for this rerelease. It would have been interesting to hear how ECM would have remastered this.

Lontano


i think it quite good, or a least it doesn't make wish for my vinyl versions played back on my now long gone sold turntable. some of the newer recordings can sound a bit bright at times.

PACE
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Lontano
I agree. Sounds very good. I just would have been interested to see if they could have improved it further as originally planned, but it is still outstanding.

Lontano
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by fishski13
oh, i see. these 3 albums on LP were easily some of the best sonically in my smallish vinyl collection.

as a side note, but still of all things ECM, i am wondering when the new Marcin Wasilewski et al new album, January, will be out? i can't seem to dig anything up. also, it's of interest to note that the "Trio" has been expanded to "Marcin Wasilewski Trio". i assumed that the group's name was "Trio" and that their first album was self-titled.

PACE
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Lontano
Pace,

I have looked for a US release date but cannot find one either. The album is out in most other territories. In Europe, ECM have released a new Mazur/Garbarek album now but that is not released in the US until April 15th, so you may have a long wait for Wasilewski. I think the US record company makes up it's mind on the release dates not ECM HQ.


As for the group name change. This group was originally called the "Simple Acoustic Trio" and they released several CD's (not on ECM) under that name. They then became simply "Trio". However they have now decided to become the Martin Wasilewski Trio as it is normal for a piano trio to have the name of the pianist who leads it - Keith Jarrett Trio, Tord Gustavsen Trio etc etc.

Lontano
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Lontano
Actually, just relooking at the first ECM CD and the artist was Wasilewski/Kurkiewicz/Miskiewicz. Easy to see why they now prefer Martin Wasilewski Trio. I can even remember that one.
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by Huwge
The new album is out in Europe and sounds very good indeed, not particularly groundbreaking just a very solid piano trio.

H
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by fishski13
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
Pace,

I have looked for a US release date but cannot find one either. The album is out in most other territories. In Europe, ECM have released a new Mazur/Garbarek album now but that is not released in the US until April 15th, so you may have a long wait for Wasilewski. I think the US record company makes up it's mind on the release dates not ECM HQ.


As for the group name change. This group was originally called the "Simple Acoustic Trio" and they released several CD's (not on ECM) under that name. They then became simply "Trio". However they have now decided to become the Martin Wasilewski Trio as it is normal for a piano trio to have the name of the pianist who leads it - Keith Jarrett Trio, Tord Gustavsen Trio etc etc.

Lontano


intersting. ECM's website could use an overhaul though.

i prefer "Trio" - it's easier to pronounce Roll Eyes. i'm loquaciously lazy - 'kay dude!

PACE
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by fishski13
quote:
Originally posted by Huwge:
The new album is out in Europe and sounds very good indeed, not particularly groundbreaking just a very solid piano trio.

H


i'm hoping that it has a more "emphatic" sound or direction.

PACE
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by droodzilla
Back on topic, I bought the Jarrett "Standards" box yesterday. I only own a couple of his CDs, and feel that I've taken him for granted over the years. The music on "Standards" is great of course, and I have no issues with the recording, as I had no expectations regarding remastering. However, I do find the groaning, squeaking and wheezing off-putting - especially as it appears far more prominent now that I have a good system. Surely Keith's music would be better off without his "vocal" accompaniment - or is everyone else cool with it?!


The music's great, feeling it would be a good way to reacquaint myself with his work, after taking it for ga
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by fishski13
quote:
Originally posted by droodzilla:
Back on topic, I bought the Jarrett "Standards" box yesterday. I only own a couple of his CDs, and feel that I've taken him for granted over the years. The music on "Standards" is great of course, and I have no issues with the recording, as I had no expectations regarding remastering. However, I do find the groaning, squeaking and wheezing off-putting - especially as it appears far more prominent now that I have a good system. Surely Keith's music would be better off without his "vocal" accompaniment - or is everyone else cool with it?!


The music's great, feeling it would be a good way to reacquaint myself with his work, after taking it for ga


you get used to it. in fact it's grown on me Smile. i think his groaning on these albums is par excellence.

PACE
Posted on: 31 January 2008 by fred simon
quote:
Originally posted by droodzilla:

Surely Keith's music would be better off without his "vocal" accompaniment - or is everyone else cool with it?!


It's an integral part of Keith's musical process, and the music just wouldn't be the same without it. I'm not in love with the vocalizations, but I'm lucky in that I can tune it out. I totally understand why some folks are unable to do so.

All best,
Fred


Posted on: 01 February 2008 by ken c
i wasnt sure about his "groaning" in the beginning, but over time i have realised that the guy is so 'into' what he is doing that this just happens more or less automatically. and sometimes he plays "off the stool" when the music has really got him. what a combination of artists! and what good music. i think i will get this album, though i already have stds vol 1.

enjoy
ken
Posted on: 02 February 2008 by Pigeon_Fancier
[QUOTE]Originally posted by Huwge:
not particularly groundbreaking just a very solid piano trio./QUOTE]

Don't want to criticise the man for producing a string of thoughtful, beautifully crafted jazz records but sometimes I'd just like him to throw himself in a different direction. Am I asking him to be something he isn't or dayaknoworrimean? Or both perhaps?!
Posted on: 02 February 2008 by Max Bass
quote:
Originally posted by Lontano:
I was just a little disappointed that it did not get the remastering treatment as was originally planned for this rerelease. It would have been interesting to hear how ECM would have remastered this.

Lontano


Perhaps they could have done a remastered disc to include a "Keith Jarrett Naked". A groanless version if you will.

Max