Search - Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek :: Luminessence

An interesting, if curmudgeon, release.

C. David LaRoche | Halifax, N.S. | 08/28/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a very interesting album; the first of Jarrett's self-composed classical/new-age work. Whilst Jarrett doesn't actually play, the musical landscapes he creates with the stings sets up a conflict with Jan's saxaphone improvisation. Jan plays with, against and inbetween the landscapes in what results as a very cerebral and contemplative effort on behalf of all parties. The three selections range from the sorrowful to downright angry and occasionally show some glimpses of happy major; throughout, however, this album is searching, dark and dreary (albeit doing a wonderful job of being dark and dreary). The soundscapes created seem alien and oblique, punctuated by Jan's equally crystalline, stark tone and contemporary improvistations. If you are a fan of Jarrett and have his more articulated orchestral works, such as Arbour Zena, Celestial Hawk or Bridge of Light, give this one a try. If you are new to Jarrett and/or his orchestral/classical works, try one of the afformentioned before biting in to this one. As far as Jan Garbarek's improvisations go, they aren't his absolute best (Officium, a Garbarek/Hillard Ensemble release, is his best improvisation over classical meanderings), but - as usual - are very original, inspired, and often lift the accompanying strings from musical adequacy into greatness. This is not Jazz; its not really classical music either. It's experimental, and though not completely succesful, it does provide for a good listen and a good think."

Another Jarrett must have.

David J. Engel | Bethesda, MD USA | 07/13/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Keith Jarett has written and performed for quite a number of different formats. Large scale solo improvisation, short precise piano gems, music for his American Quartet and his Scandinavian Quartet, Trio music, Symphonic works and Duo work with Jack Dejohnette etc... On Luminesscence, one of a number of must recordings of his, Jarrett writes parts for Mladen Gutesha and the Strings of the Sudfunk Symphony Orchestra, Stuttgart. Jan Garbarek improvises to these string parts. The result, sweeping , contrasting strings with Garbarek's searing and sometimes bittersweet tenor and soprano playing is very special, very emotional music making. A must for anyone interested in Jarrett, in Garbarek, or in modern music making. If you like this you may also want to pick up Jarrett's In the Cave in the Light and Arbour Zena."

A modern masterpiece

Marius Cipolla | 07/12/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is an absolutely luminous piece of music, living up to the name Jarrett gave it. Hard to believe anyone could think it dark. Like most serious modern music, it reflects the human condition in our age, and that means moments of tension and anguish. Indeed one could say that one of the great themes of Jarrett's music is the resolution of such anguish -- crossing the "personal mountains" in each human life.



But the overal experience of these pieces is of sublime beauty. Jan Garbarek is the perfect soloist for this sonata-like composition, an artist who produces one of the most beautiful sounds in modern jazz.



Luminessence isn't easy listening jazz. It might be better to approach it via the path of modern classical music than via any popular tradition. It is serious, heavenly music that needs to be respected. In return, it will reward the listener with intense pleasure.



Cannot be recommended too highly."