KEITH JARRETT

KEITH JARRETT
FORT YAWUH (1973)
REMASTER
320 KBPS

Keith Jarrett fans usually look at his 70s output in terms of solo performances (the Koln Concert) and the quartet with Jan Garbarek (Belonging, My Song, etc.) but often overlook one of his finest groups -- the American "quartet" with Dewey Redman, Charlie Haden, Paul Motian and the occasional percussionist.
This live album features this group at its best: an eclectic mixture of Ornette-ish freebop ("Misfits"), Bill Evans-influenced lyricism ("Still Life, Still Life"), groovin' soul jazz ("De Drums"), and North African exoticism (the dramatic "Roads Travelled, Roads Veiled"). But the band's identity is so cohesive and unique that these are merely influences. Jarrett's playing is alternately funky and spiky, lyrical and dissonant, reflective and intense. Motian and Haden are an attentive, flexible rhythm section (whether soft or hard-hitting), while Redman provides fiery playing on the tenor sax and more quirky sounds on clarinet and the Chinese musette.

1. (If the) Misfits (Wear It)
2. Fort Yawuh
3. De Drums
4. Still Life, Still Life
Bonus Track
5. Roads Traveled, Roads Veiled