Jarrett began piano lessons at the age of two and played for the first time on stage at the age of seven. In 1962 he played a self-composed two-hour concert, without the benefit of any prior formal instruction in orchestration or composition. After working with a wide variety of musicians, beginning in 1966, including Chet Baker, Lee Konitz and Art Blakey, he founded his own band in 1968 with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian. In 1971-76 Dewey Redman (saxophone) joined the group and they played under the name of the "American Quartet". His work with Miles Davis between 1969 and 1971 gave his career an additional boost, as well as the opportunity to play solo concerts such as the "Köln Concert" (1975, Cologne, Germany), honoured by Time Magazine as album of the year.
Since the early 1970s, he has enjoyed a great deal of success, both artistic and commercial, in both classical and jazz music as a group leader and a solo performer. His improvisation technique combines jazz, classical, gospel, blues, and various ethnic-folk musics. He is considered by some, to be the "Bach" of jazz music; this title may have come from his recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations, which, although it received many awards, was not entirely approved by critics.
In the 1990s he suffered chronic fatigue syndrome only to take up the piano again in 1998. He worked in a trio form with Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette until 2014.
Jarrett stated in a 2005 TV interview that his music is influenced by the teachings and philosophy of Georges I. Gurdjieff, whom he honoured in "Sacred Hymns" (ECM, 1980). This philosophy informs many of his non-musical beliefs as well.
In 2008, he was inducted into the Down Beat Hall of Fame in the magazine's 73rd annual readers' poll.
In 2010, to coincide with his 65th birthday he released his first studio album in 12 years - Jasmine. It reunited Jarrett with his old bassist colleague Charlie Haden; the two had not recorded together for over 30 years.
Basin Street Blues
Keith Jarrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
To the Mississippi
We'll take a boat to the land of dreams
Steam down the river, down to New Orleans
The band's there to meet us
Old friends there to greet us
Where all the proud and elite folks meet
Basin Street is the street
Where the best folks always meet
In New Orleans, land of dreams
You'll never know how nice it seems,
Or just how much it really means
Glad to be, oh yes-sirree
Where welcome's free and dear to me
Where I can lose, lose my Basin Street Blues
Basin Street, oh Basin Street
Is the street, mama
New Orleans, land of dreams
The lyrics of Keith Jarrett's song Basin Street Blues can be seen as a metaphor for the desire to escape to a place where one can experience joy and happiness, away from the sorrows and troubles of everyday life. The song describes the journey down the Mississippi River to New Orleans, where the singer is met by old friends and the best folks in town. The chorus repeats the phrase "Basin Street" several times, emphasizing the idea of this street being an ideal location for one to experience a new sense of freedom and happiness.
The song highlights the importance of friendship and social interaction, as the singer looks forward to reuniting with old friends and meeting new ones. The reference to "all the proud and elite folks" suggests that this is a place where people can come together regardless of social status and enjoy the best that life has to offer. The song also conveys the idea that New Orleans is a magical place, a "land of dreams" where anything is possible, and where the singer can finally "lose my Basin Street Blues."
Overall, the lyrics of Basin Street Blues are a powerful expression of the human desire for joy, happiness, and community. The song captures the excitement and energy of a journey to a new and exciting place, and the sense of anticipation that comes with the prospect of being reunited with old friends and gaining new experiences.
Line by Line Meaning
Won't you come along with me
Asking someone to join him on a journey
To the Mississippi
To the famous river that leads to New Orleans
We'll take a boat to the land of dreams
Traveling to the magical city of New Orleans by boat
Steam down the river, down to New Orleans
Sailing along the Mississippi River to reach the destination
The band's there to meet us
Being welcomed by music as they arrive in New Orleans
Old friends there to greet us
Being greeted by familiar faces and friends
Where all the proud and elite folks meet
Referring to Basin Street as the place where the upper class of New Orleans gathers
Heaven on earth, they call it Basin Street
Describing Basin Street as a heavenly place
Basin Street is the street
Identifying Basin Street as a particular street in New Orleans
Where the best folks always meet
Describing Basin Street as the gathering place for the high society of New Orleans
In New Orleans, land of dreams
Acknowledging New Orleans as the perfect place to fulfill one's dreams
You'll never know how nice it seems
Suggesting that it's impossible to describe how amazing Basin Street truly is
Or just how much it really means
Encouraging the listener to experience Basin Street for themselves to fully understand its significance
Glad to be, oh yes-sirree
Expressing happiness and contentment
Where welcome's free and dear to me
Appreciating the warm welcome and hospitality given on Basin Street
Where I can lose, lose my Basin Street Blues
Referring to the classic song 'Basin Street Blues' and suggesting that being on Basin Street can make one forget any sorrows or worries
Basin Street, oh Basin Street
Repeating the name of the famous street, emphasizing its importance
Is the street, mama
Acknowledging Basin Street as the place to be
New Orleans, land of dreams
Describing New Orleans as a city where anything is possible
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@gustavofortunato4779
The best Jarrett trio concert....so far...unforgettable....Great Gary...thanks for your music
@chuckc7375
I never get tired of listening to Keith, his playing is really something special.
@evilasiov
And after 9 months... There is a new Jarrett's BABY GRAND! :-)
@philippebertrand3820
30 years and timeless
@gloriamosure9184
Great to hear a totally new rendition of a very familiar tune. So different!
@nurvraxartproductions6145
Superb soloing. Outrageously inventive
@kradomirchoukroutov6362
I pretend to be a jazz musician (sax) but after listening to this, if somebody asks me, I answer I am a plumber...
@clintsudweeksmusic8816
Lol keep working at it! If being as good as Jarrett were the requisite to be a jazz musician than there would be very few!
@levimust4479
Are you busy? My faucet is leaking. I called Keith but he is booked solid.
@craigwalker7415
Let it flow dude ~ Let it Flow ~~~~