What are you listening to and WHY might anyone be interested? (Vol. XIII)
Posted by: Richard Dane on 01 January 2017
2017 has arrived today, so time to start this thread afresh.
Last year's thread can be found here;
Keith Jarrett - Vienna concert
Allmusic.com:
Keith Jarrett feels that this is his finest solo concert; having "courted the flame for a very long time," he writes, this music speaks "the language of the flame itself." Perhaps playing in the European-tradition-encrusted Vienna Staatsoper had an overt influence, for never has a recorded Jarrett solo concert fallen into such a logical, even classical overall structure as this one -- all on the wing, mind you. Part I develops in a majestic 41-minute arch, opening with a simple chorale, devotional and trenchant, and suddenly kicking into a daring, complex, agitated toccata without a key center, technically dazzling and darting. That coalesces into a grand tonal passage with inferences of the great European piano concertos before subsiding into a quietly affirmative finale. Part II is shorter and less rigorously structured, surging and ebbing around shimmering tremolos and a brief pulsating rhythm, alternately evoking the Middle East and the medieval Dies Irae. Jarrett's exalted judgment is close to the mark; though more Eurocentric than ever, these are his most impressive solo performances since Sun Bear.
(2010)
Back indoors on this beautiful bright boxing day and time for an old favourite by Hybrid. Punchy ambient electronica and trance.
"Big on atmosphere, big on beat driven songs, yes songs and yes still very BIG on production techniques beyond this mortal coil. This excursion on the Hybrid version of an album though comes with the biggest and most notable difference of all. The pace of the album. This almost plays out like a classic Depeche Mode album, something like Violator maybe, guitars and all..." -- Fluxx69 on Discogs
Just Finished.....
Sean Rowe - New Lore
Streamed on NAS...... One of the best of 2017!
Now Playing......
Neil Young - Hitchhiker
Streaming on TIDAL....... Something new, something old, something familiar.......
To go with our Russian sub-zero (F) temperatures:
One of my best rediscoveries of 2017. Superb album.
Pianist Keith Jarrett's career practically invites criticism or, at the very least, intense comment. His outspokenness, his utter seriousness of intent and the resulting love-hate relationship with the audience, even his vocalisms, evoke strong responses, both pro and con, from listeners.
As the years have gone by, expectations have continued to rise, almost to the point that no matter what he does, Jarrett will fail in someone's eyes, and My Foolish Heart is no exception. However, the only issue that really matters is this: does he and, by extension, the trio, communicate with and connect to the listener?
ECM has released this double-CD live recording from the 2001 Montreux Jazz Festival as a sort of now-to-then comparison to the upcoming release Setting The Standards: New York Sessions 1983, which will mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of this trio in 2008. Any Jarrett release is an event and, when combined with Jarrett's liner notes which talk about how special this performance was, practically promises a revelatory listening experience.
Revelation is, however, a very personal thing. Since this music consists of well-known standards the magic, if it is to be found, will not be in new sounds, but in the details of the performance for those who can, or desire to, hear them.
The best jazz is the music of spontaneous, unexpected creation. It requires dynamic energy and concentration plus the seeming contradictory ability to let go, forgetting all the technique and theory and just playing. In this case, what is to be played starts with the tunes themselves, with melody. A standard is labeled as such because its construction has achieved the delicate balance between the melodic phrasing and harmony that creates something unique, and being immediately identifiable and memorable.
To treat such a creation as mere changes is to violate its sanctity, and true improvisation will maintain contact, however tenuous, with the source of the inspiration. In this respect, Jarrett is masterful and there is nary a moment on any track when it is not obvious which tune is being played. The changes are respected, but so are the melody and emotional essence of the tune, with Jarrett using the musical language of conventional bebop jazz.
Bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Jack DeJohnette, acknowledged masters in their own right, obviously know Jarrett and each other extremely well. Any given performance can vary, but this one does seem to find this rhythm section in top form. DeJohnette's famous energy is controlled but white hot while Peacock, whose solos are short but meaningful, adds a delightful bounce and verve.
The trio is playing as one and this is the joy of the performance. The surprise comes with the three stride tunes, "Ain't Misbehavin,'" "Honeysuckle Rose" and "You Took Advantage Of Me," and if anyone was waiting for a reason to gush about this performance, it is here.
Place it where you will in Jarrett's discography, My Foolish Heart is true jazz artistry.
Now Playing......
Aimee Mann - Mental Illness
Streaming on TIDAL....... Taking this 2017 release out for its first spin (for me)
This is an itch I've just had to scratch.
The Syn in this incarnation with Steve Nardelli, Francis Dunnery and Tom Bislin. I recall buying this when I saw them performing at the CKDCF charity concert at Egremont a few years back. I chatted with Steve Nardelli at the bar afterwards. Thoroughly enjoyable show.
A bit of serious hinting came good...................
Quite a selection with plenty of words and pictures.
who needs the doctor for time travel?
.sjb
The Cats - Collected
Dutch pop / rock music from the 60s and 70s.
Finishing
And moving over to a (brilliant) 4 song EP, featuring Melody Gardot: Bye Bye Blackbird.
question: is “Live in Europe” (the one with the tasty cover picture) already out somewhere in the world ? Bound to release Feb 8, here.
(1971)
Personally, I never carry my roll on deodorant in my jeans but that doesn't make this a bad album. 
Turning to Haden / Hall in Montreal
Steve...The last really, really good Stones album (for me, but then my fave of theirs is Satanic Majesties). Played merry hell with my Best Of Diana Ross & The Supremes LP next to it 
Earler today on Tivoli system whilst building walls from foamboard and brick paper:
Why? Santa brought me the CD yesterday. I haven't listened to this in over 20 years. Only owned on pre-recorded cassette before. Hadn't realised how much I had missed it. My (much) younger self really related to it and, I can now see, with hindsight, why. Must get Silent Corner Of An Empty Stage to pair with it.
steve
PS Man in red also delivered VDGG's The Least We Can Do... too,
Followed PH with this also on the Tivoli
Why? It was next to the CD player and I thought it worth a spin. What a revelation. I loved it. Such a beautiful album.
steve
Stevee_S posted:
(1971)
Personally, I never carry my roll on deodorant in my jeans but that doesn't make this a bad album.
More vinyl now
Why? I am sitting relaxing after cooking (and eating my share of) a veggie roast dinner.
steve
Nick Lees posted:Steve...The last really, really good Stones album (for me, but then my fave of theirs is Satanic Majesties). Played merry hell with my Best Of Diana Ross & The Supremes LP next to it
Hi Nick, I'd go as far as GSH but you're right they never really got the full mojo back the same after this one. I'll drop you another e-mail in the new year with a couple more bands that i'm liking. Have a great end of year and new year, I hope the mooted move comes off and works out.
Cheers & ATB
Steve
1970 - Uk first pressing...