Keith Jarrett an Inspiration

I remember it it was spring of 1989. I was at Miles Davis‘s apartment in his little studio that I help put together for him. I just listened to Bitches Brew and I felt a little brave and I just had to ask him this question.

“ Miles , I was listening to Bitches Brew …you had the best Keyboard players at the beginning of the electric vibe playing Fender Rhodes Zawinul,Herbie,Chick.. who was your favorite? “ he didn’t hesitate one bit and immediately said “Keith Jarrett..Jason, Keith is a funky muthaf..kah!!”

I was incredibly surprised because I had heard Keith for a moment playing Fender Rhodes on Live Evil but I never put him in that category..

Then one day in 2005 at a conference in New York the late Bob Belden told me he had something to give me and gave me the box set that he had just finished working on where the tapes were found after many years, the legendary Cellar Door Sessions… I spent days listening to it as it was an incredible experience listening to that band and there was Keith Jarrett playing Fender Rhodes like you’ve never heard him play before.. the energy and the creativity were just amazing and it really showed you the beauty of working with Miles how he gave you the freedom to create and be yourself and make no mistake, This is Keith as himself.. leaving a real mark on electric Keyboards.

I’m bringing this up because in November starting on the 12th I’m starting a European tour of 100 Miles that will bring me to some very cool places with a fantastic band and I’m really spending the time finding the right material to present along with the original songs from my album 100 Miles for Miles Davis ..which I am thrilled at the response it’s been getting..

I’ve heard the greats from the very beginning of the Fender Rhodes.. I am putting this out there that this track “What I Say” from Dec 17 1970 2nd set

Could be one of the top three Fender Rhodes solos I’ve ever heard.. it’s pure energy and imagination to the highest level with Keith, Jack DeJohnette, Michael Henderson and Airto giving Keith the amazing support that turns this into something unforgettable..

I’ve put the link to the track in the comment section.. and it’s not just the solo but it’s the whole track and his accompaniment to every instrument.

It’s hard to believe that Keith always said he hated playing electric Keybords

You certainly can’t pick it up when you listen to this, and I certainly hope you will spend the time listening to it.. I saw Jack at a gig in upstate New York after I had heard the album. I was raving about it and I said “Keith sounds so amazing. He sounds like he’s having such a great time playing. I don’t understand how he said he hated playing electric keyboards “ he stood there and just gave me a smile..This will be one of the tracks we will do in the set when I go out in November… I have the right musicians to really pull it off..

https://youtu.be/vvPgGwVNgJU?is=3ceBT9mizF3qc6rB