Jarrett, Keith (1945-…), is an American pianist who has gained international acclaim for both his jazz and classical performances. He is also a composer and has led influential jazz combos since 1969.
Jarrett has been praised for his brilliant improvisational skills. He has exceptional technique, and his solos provide a continuous flow of melodic and rhythmic ideas. Jarrett performs both his own original works and familiar popular songs. He insists that he has no preordained idea of what he will play in a concert performance. He claims that he allows the music to flow through him.
Jarrett was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He was a child prodigy on the piano, studying the instrument from the age of 3 and performing a solo concert at the age of 7. In the mid-1960’s, he moved to New York City. He played with Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers in 1965 and 1966. He then joined a pioneering experimental quartet led by jazz saxophonist Charles Lloyd. Jarrett played with the group until 1969. From 1969 to 1971, he played with Miles Davis. During that time, he also led his own trio. Jarrett has led a trio or quartet, or performed as a soloist, ever since. His quartet made several important recordings in the mid-1970’s, featuring Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek. In 1983, Jarrett began recording with what became known as his “Standards” trio, consisting of himself on piano, Gary Peacock on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums.
Jarrett has made an enormous number of recordings, some of them presenting entire concerts or club dates over several evenings. In addition to his live and studio jazz recordings, Jarrett has also recorded classical works by such composers as Johann Sebastian Bach and Dimitri Shostakovich.
