Best Keith Jarrett records


I've heard bits and pieces of his music and performances here and there and would love to own some of it on vinyl. There are many used KJ records at my local record store, but I wouldn't know where to begin. I'd like to ask for your opinions on what you consider best among Keith Jarrett records. Thanks!
actusreus
"Arbor Zena" mid 70's Jarrett with full orchestra, beautiful piece and one of my fav's..
"Nude Ants" and "Bop Be" are late 70's Jarrett in traditional jazz quartet setting, good stuff very innovative. In the 90's and 2000's some nice cds were released in trio jazz standards settings, Kieth with Jack Dejohnette on drums and I think Gary Peacock? or Charlie Haden on bass.
I consider myself as big a KJ fan as anyone. I've got many of his recordings and all of his dvd releases of the Japan concerts, which most were recorded from the mid to late 80's. His trio work is the best place to begin I would think because it's timeless stuff that sounds like his current recordings.

Anything with Keith Jarrett Trio will be a winner. Blue note did a 6 disc recording from a live NYC appearance. His best album, imho, although not found on vinyl would be: live at the deerhead inn, recorded near his hometown in PA

Keith has been recording/touring with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette for decades now. Probably the longest running jazz piano trio ever. He did a stint with bassist Charlie Haden yes, but that was decades ago.

Checkout the LaScala disc, which is a live performance of an Italian concert. Over the Rainbow is the real gem there...it's one of those performances one can listen to over and again, for KJ's harmonic approach to the tune stretches this well known standard to never before heard levels of the tune by anyone, and his delicate touch on the tune makes it a must have. I spent an entire year absorbing a note for note piano transcription of the tune at the piano, so perhaps that gives you some idea of the tunes merit.

Personally, I almost prefer viewing his live trio performances on dvd, to listening to him on audio. There are 7-8 of them available, which can be located as best buys on the bay. Someone else may chime in regarding his classical recordings, but anything you find in a used record store of his KJ Trio stuff will likely be a gem. Standard I and Standards II are both excellent recordings. Most of the KJ Trio recordings of the past 2 decades all have excellent jazz standard interpretations. Keith is a master of reworking jazz standards. Check his version of God Bless The Child on Standards I...he rewrites the tune rhythmically and embellishes it to a degree that only KJ can do. Most of his KJ Trio is can't miss stuff, so that's as good a place to begin as any. Enjoy!
ECM 1086 "Hymns Spheres". 2-LP set.

Link to ECM page.

Superb Baroque organ improvisations. One of my all-time favorite LPs.
I've been listening intently to KJ now for well over 35 years and have most of his recordings. The Koln Concert is what really put him (and ECM I would argue) on the map, and an essential recording. My Songs is another wonderful recording from that period.

When it comes to "standards", Jarrett really shines, solo, w/ his trio or w/ friends (his recent recording w/ C. Haden, Jasmine, is a delight), as he brings a touch to the piano w/ a sense of minimalism that cuts to the core of each piece. Sublime. His recording of a year or so ago, Paris/London, is a wonderful example.

My personal favorite over time, as I keep coming back to it, probably is The Melody at Night with You. 10+ years later this still brings tears to my eyes...