Sure, the Keith Jarrett Trio of the '80s and '90s recorded way too much music for the casual fan to absorb. But one's reservations fade when confronted with the sheer creativity and empathy that the trio displayed in this gorgeously recorded live date at New York's Town Hall. As in several albums before, the emphasis for
Jarrett,
Gary Peacock and
Jack DeJohnette is on standards, save for a sole ostinato-based
Jarrett original (the title track). "Bemsha Swing" finds
Jarrett at very nearly his best, transforming standard material completely in his own funky manner. In addition, there is a really beautiful rendition of
Oscar Levant's "Blame It on My Youth," and an eloquently harmonized "Body and Soul" with generous solo space for
Peacock. There is some squeaky vocalizing by
Jarrett over some of his solos, but not enough to deter anyone from enjoying this 77-minute outpouring of first-class improvisational jazz. ~ Richard S. Ginell