Keith Jarrett Trio - Somewhere Before (1968) [2011 SHM-SACD]

While still a member of the Charles Lloyd Quartet, Keith Jarrett did some occasional moonlighting with a trio, anchored by two future members of Jarrett's classic quartet, Charlie Haden (bass) and Paul Motian (drums). On this release, Jarrett turns in a very eclectic set at Shelly's Manne-Hole in Hollywood, careening through a variety of idioms where his emerging individuality comes through in flashes. He covers Bob Dylan's "My Back Pages" – which actually came out as a single on the Vortex label – in an attractive, semi-funky style reminiscent of Vince Guaraldi. "Pretty Ballad" delivers a strong reflective dose of Bill Evans, while "Moving Soon" is chaotic free jazz. By the time we reach "New Rag," we begin to hear the distinctive Jarrett idiom of the later trios, but then, "Old Rag" is knockabout stride without the stride. As an example of early, unfocused Jarrett, this is fascinating material.

Tracks:

1: MY BACK PAGES
2: PRETTY BALLAD
3: MOVING SOON
4: SOMEWHERE BEFORE
5: NEW RAG
6: A MOMENT FOR TEARS
7: POUTS’ OVER (AND THE DAY’S NOT THROUGH)
8: DEDICATED TO YOU
9: OLD RAG

Personnel:

Keith Jarrett – Piano
Charlie Haden – Bass
Paul Motion – Drums