Staircase has always been my favorite Jarrett release, although Facing You and My Song are close. It seems to me as a pianist that Jarrett visits another place than he seems to in his live gigs (ie, Koln Concert), not so much playing for the crowd (despite his vehement denials) and even his vocal histronics seem more restrained.
Side 2 (of 4), which is entitled "Hourglass" is one of my two or three favorite jazz piano works I've heard to date. Bought it on ECM vinyl when it was released way back when. Just breathtaking. Whenever I get the feeling that:
1) the piano has nothing left to yield, or
2) keyboards (ie. my Kurzweil 2600) offer much more varied timbres, or
3) I want to pick up another instrument that allows more direct contact with the music
Hourglass reminds me the piano is indeed "the entire orchestra in one instrument", as one composer once commented.
Sorry to get so worked up. Staircase/Hourglass/Sundial/Sand is a very special release indeed.
Side 2 (of 4), which is entitled "Hourglass" is one of my two or three favorite jazz piano works I've heard to date. Bought it on ECM vinyl when it was released way back when. Just breathtaking. Whenever I get the feeling that:
1) the piano has nothing left to yield, or
2) keyboards (ie. my Kurzweil 2600) offer much more varied timbres, or
3) I want to pick up another instrument that allows more direct contact with the music
Hourglass reminds me the piano is indeed "the entire orchestra in one instrument", as one composer once commented.
Sorry to get so worked up. Staircase/Hourglass/Sundial/Sand is a very special release indeed.