Jan Garbarek, Keith Jarrett, Palle Danielsson, Jon Christensen - Belonging (1974) LP

On Keith Jarrett's first recording with his "European" quartet -- Jan Garbarek (sax), Palle Danielsson (bass), Jon Christensen (drums) -- he stakes out somewhat less abrasive territory than that which his "American" foursome was exploring at this time. Garbarek sports a neutral, vibratoless tone that occasionally reaches an emotional climax; the rhythm section is supportive and just loose enough. The record operates at its strongest level when Jarrett locks the quartet into his winning gospel mode on "'Long as You Know You're Living Yours" and the tense drive of "Spiral Dance"; the reflective numbers are less compelling. Still, this LP-turned-CD successfully bucked the powerful electric trends of its time and holds up well today. ~ Richard S. Ginell

'Three ballads and three powerfully rhythmic pieces demonstrate Jarrett's genius for understanding and bringing out the musical essence of his associates', as biographer Ian Car wrote. Jarrett composes for the springing rhythms of Jon Christensen's drums and Jan Garbarek's declamatory sax, with delightful results.