Gregory P. Carrier | Iowa City, IA USA | 02/27/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Forget the Koln Concert, and all the other live albums; this is the best Keith Jarrett album I've ever heard. It's not always melodic, but when it is, it's just beautiful, and when it isn't, it still moves me. The whole thing has a timeless quality that has to be heard to be understood. I wouldn't be at all surprised if this is eventually considered one of his most important recordings."
Jazzman
James K. Stewart | Louisville, Ky USA | 07/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I remember when I had the 8-track(!) of this exquisite set of solo
piano works from the genius Keith Jarrett. It always reminded me of
the Koln Concert in a studio. The man is amazing. Manfred Eicher
(ECM records owner/producer) knew what he had when Jarrett signed
with his label. I played this more times than I can remember back
in the 70's when cars and home stereos had 8-track players. Of course
I have the cd now, which sounds better than ever. Just another
brilliant work of art from an artist with a staggering level of output.
It sounds as fresh now as the day it was recorded. His Bremen Lausanne
solo concerts on ECM are my favorite Jarrett solo recordings, but this
is brilliant all the same. Mandatory listening for Jarrett lovers."
Staircase
Mr. N. J. Fletcher | UK | 10/22/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This has to be one of keith Jarrett's finest improvisations.The recording has a special sound. Many of todays recordings sound superb but sometimes lack Character! This has a sound quite typical of ECM in the 1970's.Spacious and crystal clear.Perfect for capturing Keith's sublime musicality and technique."
Disciplined and brilliant
James Honaker | montana | 11/09/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"A studio recording from an extraordinarily productive period of Jarrett's remarkable career, Staircase is unique for its disciplined format -- structured, evolutionary improvisations that are concise and never self-indulgent. It is my recollection that this was recorded on a Bosendorfer piano, and the sound is warm and rich, almost bell-like, and unlike any Steinway I've ever heard him record on. The LP reveals this more than the CD, if that is an option."