Review of Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Paul Motian’s The Old Country

Keith Jarrett’s musical journey began at the Deer Head Inn, a quaint 1840s hotel nestled on the outskirts of a Delaware national park. At the tender age of 16, fresh out of high school and earning a modest wage as a shipping clerk, Jarrett’s exceptional talent as a pianist was already evident. Having started playing the piano at the age of three, he quickly established himself as a classical recitalist by the age of 10, showcasing not only technical prowess but also a remarkable gift for improvisation.

During his formative years, Jarrett frequented the Deer Head Inn, often taking to the stage to showcase his skills, sometimes even swapping the piano for the drums. It was at this intimate venue that Jarrett honed his craft before embarking on a musical journey that would see him collaborate with renowned artists such as Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis. However, it was his iconic solo improvisation on "The Köln Concert" in 1975 that catapulted him to global jazz stardom, solidifying his status as a musical virtuoso.

In a nostalgic turn of events, Jarrett made a triumphant return to the Deer Head Inn in 1992, where he performed at a fundraiser for the cherished jazz venue that held a special place in his heart. The album "The Old Country," recorded during this memorable gig, features Jarrett alongside regular bassist Gary Peacock and the exceptionally responsive drummer Paul Motian, who stepped in for Jarrett’s usual collaborator, Jack DeJohnette.

The recordings from this performance capture Jarrett’s palpable joy in revisiting the Deer Head Inn and engaging with the audience. Tracks like "Everything I Love" and "Straight No Chaser" showcase Jarrett’s masterful fusion of bebop improvisation and melodic phrasing, paying homage to jazz legends like Thelonious Monk and Bill Evans. The album is a testament to Jarrett’s ability to reimagine classic jazz standards with his signature flair, blending technical precision with emotional depth.

In addition to Jarrett’s evocative performance, the music scene this month also sees the release of exciting new projects. Brooklyn-based saxophonist and flautist Anna Webber unveils "simpletrio2000," a collaborative effort with pianist Matt Mitchell and drummer/composer John Hollenbeck, showcasing a dynamic interplay of musical textures and innovative melodies. Meanwhile, saxophonist Ohad Talmor pays tribute to jazz luminaries Ornette Coleman and Lee Konitz with "Back to the Land," featuring hauntingly expressive compositions and stellar contributions from a top-tier ensemble.

Rising star pianist Joe Webb rounds out the musical offerings with "Hamstrings & Hurricanes," a captivating exploration of swing, boogie, and blues influences. Webb’s eclectic style and virtuosic playing demonstrate his versatility and creative vision, inviting listeners into a personal sonic universe that draws inspiration from a diverse range of musical traditions.