One of three trio albums that pianist
Keith Jarrett recorded with bassist
Gary Peacock and drummer
Jack DeJohnette during the same month, this second volume of
Standards gets the edge over the first due to its slightly more challenging material.
Jarrett, who has often taken himself a bit too seriously, is surprisingly playful at times in this format. In addition to
Jarrett's "So Tender," there are such superior songs explored on this date as
Alec Wilder's "Moon and Sand," "If I Should Lose You" and "I Fall in Love Too Easily." Bassist
Gary Peacock and drummer
Jack DeJohnette listen closely to
Jarrett and no matter what direction the pianist turns, they are already there waiting for him. ~ Scott Yanow