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.
On Green Dolphin Street / Joy Ride
Keith Jarrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
Romance was the theme
And we were the players
I never think of this without a sigh
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
Lover, one lovely day
Love came, planning to stay
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
When I recall the love I found on
On Green Dolphin Street
The lyrics to Keith Jarrett's "On Green Dolphin Street/Joy Ride" tell the story of a romance that took place on Green Dolphin Street. The singer begins by acknowledging that what happened seems like a dream, but they know it really happened. They describe a man and a woman falling in love and sharing a kiss, but ultimately saying goodbye. The theme of the romance is that love came into their lives, but quickly parted ways, leaving behind only memories that the singer can't help but sigh over. The singer then says that Green Dolphin Street was the setting for this love affair, and that the memories of it will live in their heart forever.
The lyrics of the song are highly romantic and nostalgic, with the singer reminiscing about a lost love affair. There is a sense of longing and sadness, but also of reverence for the memories that were created. The setting of Green Dolphin Street is a significant part of the story, with the singer acknowledging its importance in the memories they hold dear. Overall, the lyrics create a vivid picture of a passionate, fleeting romance, the memories of which have stayed with the singer for a lifetime.
Line by Line Meaning
It seems like a dream, yet I know it happened
Although it feels surreal, I'm certain that it actually occurred.
A man, a maid, a kiss, and then goodbye
There were two people, one male and one female, who shared a brief romantic encounter before parting ways.
Romance was the theme
The overarching subject of the encounter was romance.
And we were the players
The two people involved were the ones engaging in the romantic encounter.
I never think of this without a sigh
Whenever I reminisce about this, I can't help but sigh wistfully.
Green Dolphin Street supplied the setting
The romantic encounter took place on a street known as Green Dolphin Street.
The setting for nights beyond forgetting
The location was one that was unforgettable and is remembered fondly.
And through these moments apart memories live in my heart
Despite time and distance, memories of the encounter remain vivid and cherished.
When I recall the love I found on
Whenever I think back on the romantic encounter that took place on
I could kiss the ground on Green Dolphin Street
I hold such fond memories of the location that I could even kiss the ground it's on.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: MILES DAVIS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@geatorella
His restraint, his absolute refusal to waste a note or hit the wrong one - his utter commitment to stay true to the greatness of the song -- is mind blowing.
@gerriepieters9033
Its so sad that Keith Jarret(77) always like to play on stage and...its not possible anymore...today we can watch him on Utube...thank you ..3.7.2023...His music and improvisations will never go away....thanks to the people,and his idols and fans of the global internet music jazz history......
@egyptianminor
The thing about Jarrett's interpretation of Standards is he seems to never leave the song, the tune, even as he plies it rhythmically, harmonically he inserts just the right amount of chromaticism to enhance the changes, they are always clear because he always hears the greatest note choices way ahead of time so he has plenty of time to let them com through. Even when he employs substitutions (as on the great intro to 'The Days Of Wine and Roses', from 'The Complete Live At Blue Note'), he always seems to be playing 'them and variation' on the song itself.
@jonatanjonsson2462
Jarrett, my leading star my hero in life, the most sublime musician on the planet. Spontanious composition & free -improvisation an extremely rare blend and truly blessed gift, no other musician has perfected this rare discipline like Jarrett.
@daveh3799
This sort of Jazz is so lyrical it literally gives me goose bumps.
@sjoexenoslash
Really enjoyed the intro and his dedication showed in how he stayed in character by making dolphin noises.
@crispinsday
hahaha u do realise he always makes dolphin noises?
@jeuxdeau2009
best comment on youtube
@carlosreboucas3262
very funny man!!!
@matijanarobe9541
cannot watch the video with a straight face anymore, thanks