The Koln Concert

Simply sublime music, purchased on CD and to be fair the resolution could be better. That does not detract from the magnificent performance

Very pleased

This CD was brought to my attention when listening to "Desert Island Disks" on BBC radio. The back story raised my interest and is well worth the research.All I can say is that given the nature of the instrument Kieth Jarrett gives a wonderful performance that deserves some concentrated listenning.Thank you.

There can be no doubt that Keith Jarrett is a massively gifted virtuoso pianist, one who is impossible to categorise. His improvised concerts are legendary, each totally unique and a masterpiece in its own right, and depending for its outcome on many factors - the instrument, the location, the audience, the climate and much more. Sometimes Jarrett veers off into classical and baroque themes, sometimes a touch of jazz and dixie influence, maybe some bluesy notes, often a country feel - wherever the mind of Jarrett wanders. I found it telling that another of my heroes, virtuoso guitarist Antonio Forcione, speaks with reverence about how he managed to see Jarrett play and sat spellbound for the entire evening - this being a moment in history, one not to be repeated: one man bonded totally with his instrument.For the Köln concert, the fact that he did not get his first choice of piano influenced his decision to vamp around the middle section of the keyboard, while weaving into the structure delicate melodies and beguiling harmonies. With the atmosphere you gain the thrill of being present within the recording, at the cost of slightly flawed sound quality and occasional blips in the playing. It's worth it: the fact that this is regarded as a seminal work in the history of jazz and live instrumentation says all you need to know. If you have not heard this work, do so - not a matter of like or dislike, it is one of those moments where the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end.

Many years ago, early 1980's (?) I was at my Sister's and her hubby was playing this in the background. I was a predominantly 'soul boy' and just didn't 'get it'.15 years later I tried the CD version and 'I got it'.If you like this type of music, this is one of the 'keynote' recordings.Having revived my record deck etc I added the vinyl copy of the recording and it not only does not disappoint but it also has the final track that is missing from my CD version.

Bought this concert after being impressed with a clip heard on Desert Island Discs. At first was disappointed but just grows on me every time I hear it. Unique style sounding slightly improvisational but heartfelt and somewhere between jazz and classic. Piano is the only instrument so it is not orchestral and better for it. Would I buy it again if this got damaged?.... Probably not but would not like to lose it.

lost the previous one, glad I bought another cd

There are already so many reviews of this fantastic (literally) album that my contribution is really unnecessary. However this is such an amazing album that I felt that I needed to add support to the previous comments. On any grading system this deserves more than five stars. In some ways its sheer perfection make this beyond grade or criticism.I have had a copy of this music for many years and find it so totally absorbing to listen too.Because it is improvised music of such sensitivity and beauty it is incomparable. By some definitions, this is jazz, but it is truly beyond category. A concert of this quality is not just "once in a lifetime" it is a truly unique occasion.I have other Keith Jarrett albums and none come close to this in quality.Every lover of music, of whatever genre, should have a copy of this album. It should be given to every "Desert Island Discs" castaway along with the Bible. I'm taking my copy too! Then I'll have two copies!