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Keith Jarrett's European Quartet: Innocence

By Scott Lichtman
March 6, 2024
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It just so happens that two of the most poignant jazz ballads—in my opinion—were released in the same year. I'm not talking about throw-back masterpieces, such as Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight" or

Horace Silver

piano
1928 - 2014

" data-original-title="" title="">Horace Silver's "Lonely Woman." Rather, they are

Keith Jarrett

piano
b.1945

" data-original-title="" title="">Keith Jarrett's "Innocence" and

Egberto Gismonti

guitar
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Egberto Gismonti's "Palha?o," both originally issued in 1980. What makes these pieces stand out are their simple melodies; harmonic progressions with pop, not bebop, sensibilities; unexpected key modulations; and the nuanced musicianship of the supporting bands. Norwegian alto saxophonist,

Jan Garbarek

saxophone
b.1947

" data-original-title="" title="">Jan Garbarek, lends his haunting tone to both pieces.

Choosing the preferred "Play This!" is a tough call, but the selection goes to "Innocence"—the version on Personal Mountains—because no one can touch Keith Jarrett's musicality on piano. His introduction takes you on a quiet journey from the first notes. Enjoy both pieces front-to-back or jump right into the "Innocence" head lead-in at 2:03.

Contact Scott Lichtman on All About Jazz.
Jazz/fusion keyboardist & autograph collector in Stamford CT.

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