Everyone is ecstatic to hear and witness the interplay between Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette. The trio walks on the stage and as Keith assumes position, he begins to lay down the melodies like a painter lays his first brush strokes on the canvas. The images of the music can be obtained cerebrally and well as visually. Keith often contorts his posture and moans during his performances. No, he is not in pain, nor is he auditioning for Cirque du Soleil, He is accessing the freedom of the sprit of the music connecting directly with a source that allows him to be 100% in synchronicity with the sound, silence and musical space in the universe. The joyous noise is a constant never ending plethora of exuberance in sound. It is like setting the table and lighting the candles in preparation for exquisite food and romance and we all know that hedonistic pleasure awaits!
The strokes and chords on the piano are well pronounced and you can hear the comfort and confidence that prevails. Gary and Jack join in to round out the richness of the sound and the night begins. The three players are perfectly lit on stage ironically like pieces of art. Glimmering black onyx, shiny metal and brass and wood that glistens from strategic recessed lighting as the three moving chess pieces are set in equal proximities against an infinity of black, parallel to our musical realities.
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I had and interview with Jack just a few weeks ago and he expressed the comfort and trust that these guys have had with each other over their forty years of playing together as well as the high level of integrity in the music. He said that it is still fun, joyful and that they are always discovering different ways to express themselves musically. He supports with so many little percussive treats; sweet, playful, delicate delights!
My seat is positioned behind and slightly askew to the piano chair and from the rear I can still see Keith smile as he, Gary and Jack share their familiar mix of musical dialog together. These guys take a standard, dissect it and make a romantic movie out of it. Gary is droppin’ notes with the fluidity of a romantic language. He takes his time and tells his story with such a wisdom and clarity. Almost as if he were in Paris speaking to a lovely woman across the table whose lips say nothing but her eyes say everything. In fact, when you actually think about it, the music is a romantic language all its own!
What would any performance be without a rendition of the Blues! The Blues are supposed to be about hard times and despair but when these cats play, all you hear is a joyful noise! Swing it!
If you have ever played hoop then you for sure know what a three man weave is? Keith, Gary and Jack can get from one end of the court and score without ever putting the ball on the ground; effortlessly, seamlessly and executed with finesse! The music is sweetly ascending from the instruments slowly to heaven in a waltz that dances as smooth as Fred and Ginger! Someday my Princess will come too!
Making love with the music is a thing of beauty. I mean, the feeling literally makes you ponder the experience of the love you have creating a new life. Music has so man tremendous parallels to life; it is it’s aphrodisiac!
Of course it is wonderful to hear homage to the great Thelonious Monk. The man’s genius opened up an entire world of expression and his influence is and will forever be a major cognitive expression of possibility!
Although the standards dance with such brilliance and the trio deliver such beauty, what did not change much was the tempo or the vibe and lovely four was the common denominator for the evening. Keith, who confesses that he usually does not say much to the audience, for the most part because of the language barrier in most countries, takes the time to thank us for all who have supported his music over the years. He says that he does it for us!
LeRoy Downs
