1. My Old Flame
2. My Ship
3. Round Midnight
4. Dance Of The Infidels
5. It Might As Well Be Spring
6. Everything Happens To Me
7. Where Can I Go Without You
8. Every Time We Say Goodbye
9. Goodbye
Keith Jarrett - Piano
Charlie Haden - Double bass
As this review was being completed, it was announced that Charlie Haden had died, at the age of 76. It is sad to think that this singular talent will no
longer be around. He'll be remembered for his tone, timing and lyricism and for his gifts as a leader, composer and collaborator. He was highly influential
in the emergence of the bass as a solo instrument and for his openness to different genres - from the country music of his youth to world music and, of
course, jazz. He held firm political beliefs - his Liberation Music Orchestra was one manifestation of this. Last year, he was awarded a Grammy for
lifetime achievement and nobody deserved it more. Here he is, then, with Keith Jarrett. He had toured and recorded with Jarrett as long ago as the period
1967 - 75. These tracks, just issued by ECM, were part of a recording session held in Jarrett's home studio back in March 2007. The album Jasmine
(2010) was a previously issued product of the session, in fact alternate takes of two of the tunes on the earlier disc are here on Last Dance
(what a prescient title!).
Haden and Jarrett clearly had great musical rapport. The teamwork displayed on this record is exemplary. Jarrett, for my money at least, is rarely less
than excellent on standards, especially love songs like most of those featured here. My Old Flame is a leisurely, plaintive exploration of a
lovely tune. Jarrett is prominent on this track (complete with trademark noises) but Charlie Haden contributes some accomplished bass playing. My Ship has Jarrett in relaxed, limpid mode on a Kurt Weill classic. The melody is delivered with an impeccable touch while Haden provides
sensitive backing. Round Midnight at first presents an oblique variation of the jazz standard from Jarrett, the tune later emerging. Haden solos
with distinction. Bud Powell's Dance Of The Infidels receives a nimble up-tempo and relatively brief piano treatment with a similarly short bass
solo added. It Might As Well Be Spring is the longest track and features a typically discursive approach from Keith Jarrett. Charlie Haden gives a
creative account of himself (and the tune). Everything Happens To Me is another strong melody with Haden providing an excellent foil to Jarrett's
expressive playing. There's a similar close connection in Where Can I Go Without You. There are gospel and blues-tinged moments from Jarrett as he
and a distinctive Haden offer their perspective on this fine standard. Every Time We Say Goodbye is played with respect for the tune but then
improvised upon briefly and delicately. Goodbye, one of the alternate takes of material from the Jasmine album, has an autumnal feel from
both musicians as befits the subject. I particularly liked Charlie Haden's adept variations on this poignant theme.
For me, this is a disc to treasure and to serve as a reminder of two great musicians, one happily still with us, the other now gone but surely, never
forgotten.
James Poore
CD Reviews
ECM 378 0524
