Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Kith Jarrett Trio: Somewhere Before (1968)




Kith Jarrett Trio: Somewhere Before (1968)

While still a member of the Charles Lloyd Quartet, Keith Jarrett did some occasional moonlighting with a trio, anchored by two future members of Jarrett's classic quartet, Charlie Haden (bass) and Paul Motian (drums). On this CD, Jarrett turns in a very eclectic set at Shelly's Manne-Hole in Hollywood, careening through a variety of idioms where his emerging individuality comes through in flashes. He covers Bob Dylan's "My Back Pages" -- which actually came out as a single on the Vortex label -- in an attractive, semi-funky style reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi. "Pretty Ballad" delivers a strong reflective dose of Bill Evans, while "Moving Soon" is chaotic free jazz. By the time we reach "New Rag," we begin to hear the distinctive Jarrett idiom of the later trios, but then, "Old Rag" is knockabout stride without the stride. As an example of early, unfocused Jarrett, this is fascinating material.

KEITH JARRETT, piano
CHARLIE HADEN, bass
PAUL MOTIAN, drums

My Back Pages
Pretty Ballad
Moving Soon
Somewhere Before
New Rag
A Moment For Tears
Pout’s over (And The Day’s Not Trought)
Dedicated To You
Old Rag

Recorded at Shelly’s Manne-Hole, Hollywook, USA, 30th 31st August 1968