This two disc set, an archival concert recording by piano great Keith Jarrett, makes for rich comparison to Jarret’s own 1987 studio session of the same material. The wonderful thing about delving into The Great Bach Songbook is that the harmonies and melodies fit extremely well into jazz. Not that Jarrett is “swinging the classics” so to speak here, but he’s not exactly Andras Schiff, or even Glenn Gould for that matter.
Going through each major and minor chord, Jarret takes Bach’s material, and while adhering to the essential discipline of the sound, adds a slight dash of pulse and syncopation that gives a bit of life to the 250+ year material. There is a dance feel to the C major and E major themes that gives a modernity without detracting from the inherent beauty. Through the entire concert, Jarrett displays deep respect, but also an inquisitiveness that is alluring. This one is a keeper of a flame, and a keeper on its own.