Keith Jarrett / Gary Peacock / Jack DeJohnette - up for it

[Tanager]

I think there was a thread on this one, but it got whacked in the Great Thread Extirpation.

I just bought it, haven't listened to it yet, but I figured it deserved a thread, if only as a placeholder until I or someone else has actually listened.

[Tanager]

I've given this disk two listens now, and I have to say that I'm enjoying it greatly. The disk was recorded live in Antibes last year during a nasty rainy period, and, as Jarrett writes in the liner notes, the mood and circumstances could not have been much worse before the concert. Having said that, none of that shows in the music, which is characteristically energetic and bright. If you like this trio and are familiar with their recordings, you already know what to expect. If you don't feel like you need more Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette, fine. If you do, then this disk is a worthy selection to add to your collection.

All the players are in fine form. Jarrett has a great right hand, and his extended funky vamp at the end of "Autumn Leaves" shows he's got a great left one, too. Peacock and DeJohnette stoke the groove and do a great job of stepping up during the more spacious moments. DeJohnette, in particular, shows off some fine interplay with Jarrett and some excellent solo work as well.

I, for one, don't tire of this group. One of my many regrets is never yet having gotten to see them live...but for the time being, I've got this disk.

[claude]

I was just recently introduced to this group through their "always let me go" CD. I am enjoying it greatly.

Is the "Up for it" disk similar in feel to "always let me go"?

[Tanager]

up for it is all standards, unlike Always Let Me Go. The playing is a good bit more structured (although the trio has a good feel for opening up an old chestnut and finding new places to explore in it), and obviously the material is very much unlike Always..., but if you liked one, you'll probably like the other. Lots of folks prefer the trio when they play more freely, but I, frankly, love them in either format.

If you haven't heard them playing standards before, this (up for it) is a perfectly fine place to start, but the list of disks they've cut which are worth obtaining is a long one. Line 'em all up, throw a dart, pick whatever you hit, you won't go too far wrong.

[claude]

Originally posted by Tanager

If you haven't heard them playing standards before, this ([U]up for it) is a perfectly fine place to start, but the list of disks they've cut which are worth obtaining is a long one. Line 'em all up, throw a dart, pick whatever you hit, you won't go too far wrong.

That was the impression I was getting.

I don't have anything against standards per se as long as they are played with some passion. I have an Ahmad Jamal disk that is strictly straight ahead but it gets a lot of play because it is just plain good.

[Tanager]

If you only have one Jamal disk, go get yourself some more. Now. :)

I would suggest, if you like Always..., checking out at least one of the trio's standards disks - probably a later one, if only b/c the interaction and ability to play with the song structure is more highly developed on some of the later disks, IMHO. You'd almost certainly like Inside Out, an excellent recent disk of their "free" playing. That one gets many spins in my player.

[claude]

Originally posted by Tanager
If you only have one Jamal disk, go get yourself some more. Now. :)


I have so many items on my to get list that I don't know when I will be able to get to them all. Jamal is certainly there among many others. My wife is getting to the point where she doesn't want me with 100 metres of a music store so I think I will have to cool it for a while.

[Tanager]

Originally posted by claude
My wife is getting to the point where she doesn't want me with 100 metres of a music store so I think I will have to cool it for a while.

She lets you get that close? Lucky bastard.

[Peterdubya]

I have a bunch of the trio CD's and I love this one. there is a free-ness to the standard approach that makes this one a step up.
"I never tire of this group" is a great quote and speaks volumes about this group.

I remember an interview with Jarrett in maybe Downbeat. the interviewer asked is he ever considered adding another instrument. Keith said, "What would they do?" I thought it was great.

This group is so responsive to each other, the group dynamic is incredible, and I love Keith's soloing it is so linear and thoughtful.

this CD is great!

[walto]

I recently heard their "Bye Bye Blackbird" CD on the radio and was quite taken with it.

[jazzbluescat]

Originally posted by walto
I recently heard their "Bye Bye Blackbird" CD on the radio and was quite taken with it.

You might flip over the "At the Deerhead Inn" cd.
[BBBlackbird is super on it.]