Keith Jarrett – Facing You

Facing You, recorded in 1971 and released in 1972, marks Keith Jarrett's inaugural solo piano album and his first collaboration with ECM Records. This seminal work is widely regarded as a cornerstone in the solo jazz piano genre, showcasing Jarrett's improvisational prowess and laying the foundation for his subsequent solo endeavors.​

The album was recorded in a single day at Arne Bendiksen Studio in Oslo, Norway, during a break from Jarrett's tour with the Miles Davis Septet. This spontaneous session captures Jarrett's creative energy in a raw and intimate setting, free from the constraints of pre-composed material. ​

Facing You comprises eight tracks, each a testament to Jarrett's ability to blend lyrical melodies with complex harmonies:​

"In Front": The opening track begins as if mid-thought, evolving into an ecstatic expression characterized by a broken, two-handed rhythm that exudes a church-like joy. ​

"Lalene": Features a tango-like treble groove, interspersed with jazzier flourishes, demonstrating Jarrett's dynamic range and rhythmic inventiveness. ​

"My Lady; My Child": A deeply reflective piece that melds classical and jazz phrasing, creating a warm yet abstract soundscape with unique chord progressions. ​

"Starbright": Exudes a whimsical and joyous flow, incorporating stride left-hand hooks and swirling jazz motifs, highlighting Jarrett's playful side. ​

Facing You not only established Jarrett's solo career but also influenced the trajectory of solo jazz piano performances. Its innovative approach to improvisation and composition continues to inspire pianists and jazz enthusiasts alike. The album's enduring freshness and emotional depth make it a timeless masterpiece in the jazz canon.Reviews

"Facing You is one of the most important recordings in contemporary jazz for several reasons, aside from being beautifully conceived and executed by pianist Keith Jarrett. It is a hallmark recording of solo piano in any discipline, a signature piece in the early ECM label discography, a distinct departure from mainstream jazz, a breakthrough for Jarrett, and a studio prelude for his most famous solo project to follow, The Köln Concert." — AllMusic

Reviews

Upon its release, Facing You received widespread acclaim:​

Rolling Stone lauded it as "perhaps the best solo piano recording since Art Tatum left us." ​

AllMusic's Michael G. Nastos described it as "a remarkable effort that reveals more and more with each listen," cementing its status as a top-tier recording in Jarrett's career. ​

DownBeat magazine highlighted the album's coherence, noting it "feels like one long, coherent conversation with a muse whose mercurial moods shift easily from serene to rhapsodic." ​

downbeat.com