Timeless!
Daryl Johnson | Harlem NY | 11/25/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"In my honest opinion,this is Mr. Jarretts most original solo record to date, his knowledge of the piano shines so bright, the ideas flow with originality and purpose. There is no meandering at the piano waiting for an inspiration like some of keiths other solo piano records. My first introduction to keiths music was the Koln Concert which blew me away but I rarely revisit it as much as facing you. Facing You is probably not as improvised as the others,but it's intent is overpowering.His influences from classical to jazz to gospel,boogie wooogie,stride piano etc. are all on this record. If he stopped here on this record alone, his legacy would have still remained intact to this very day. I'm a jazz pianist and composer and when I'm looking for musical inspiration I always come here. Keith Jarret is a genius at the piano and what he has done in terms of the instrument and improvisation is nothing less than extraordinary. Maybe because I am a musician my standards are a little higher than the average listener, but this record set the standard for me and everthing else pales in comparison, but just a little,very little."
Jarrett at his best!
L. Kilbourne | 12/24/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Facing You was released in late 1971, just shortly after Expectations, which, it turned out, was Jarrett's farewell to electronic music.
This is an album of extraordinary beauty and depth of emotion - all the more so because its pieces are all improvisations. Not the improvisations that unfortunately frequent the later, self-indulgent Jarrett, but full-blown rich compositions which unfold from beginning to end.
Facing You will envelop your soul and take you to places where, on rare occasions, we can experience music playing us.
Anyone who can listen through "Lalene" without feeling inconsolable longing for things lost is probably dead.
If I had to spend the rest of my life on a desert island with only 10 albums, this would be among them."
A Change in the Course
Mr. Richard D. Coreno | Berea, Ohio USA | 05/02/2009
(5 out of 5 stars)
"What cannot be stressed enough is the artistic statement Keith Jarrett made with this 1971 improvisational masterpiece, while the fusion revolution was cranking up and finding a niche on the emerging FM rock radio format.
Part of the ECM Touchstones series - classic albums released at a "special" price - the eight tracks became a foundation "statement" for the ECM label, critically-acclaimed as an iconic work in solo piano and a set a change in the course for mainstream jazz. Melodic, contemplative and textured brilliantly, each number tells a story, with In Front providing the listener with an overview of the landscape and Ritooria and Lalene demonstrating a beautiful and optimistic spirit that transcends music.
Nearly 40 years later, the freshness of the pieces remain the remarkable testimony to the creative energies of Jarrett."
Track Listings (8) - Disc #1