Perhaps surprisingly, this is one of the most satisfying of recent Jarrett records. Whereas some of his Impulse discs have surrounded inventive performances with less worthwhile rock-influenced pieces, the present LP is a model of consistency. And yet it is most varied – a beautiful brief ballad (Belonging) and an extended and rhythmically free one (Blossom); and some fast tracks such as Wind Up, with far-ranging polytonal and polyrhythmic work by Jarrett, a short silence, and then a fine solo by Garbarek.
Although I have disliked some of Garbarek’s earlier records, I find his playing here apt and entirely convincing. Similarly, I am far more impressed with the rhythm sections than on previous hearings: in particular Danielsson weaves some imaginative counterlines on Blossom.
For me, the highlight of the album is Jarrett’s delightful use of extremely high notes in huge melodic jumps (Blossom). I can recommend this LP almost as much as I can Jarrett’s early trio albums on Vortex.
Discography
Spiral Dance; Blossom; Long As You Know You’re Living Yours; Belonging; The Windup; Solstice
Jan Garbarek (ten/sop); Keith Jarrett (pno): Palle Danielsson (bs); Jon Christenson (dm). Oslo, 24-25/4/74.
(ECM 1050 £2.85)
