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.
Over The Rainbow
Keith Jarrett Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
In Keith Jarrett's rendition of the classic song "Over The Rainbow," he transports us to a place beyond the boundaries of reality. The opening lyrics, "Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high, there's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby" sets the tone for a whimsical journey. The song speaks of a place beyond the mundane, where anything is possible and dreams do come true.
The lyrics emphasize the importance of holding onto your dreams, no matter how far away they may seem. "And the dreams that you dare to dream, really do come true" reminds us that we have the power to manifest our greatest desires. The song also touches on the idea of feeling stuck in a particular moment and looking for a way out. "Someday I'll wish upon a star and wake up where the clouds are far behind me, where troubles melt like lemon drops, high above the chimney tops, that's where you'll find me." This line speaks to the idea of hope, reminding us that with perseverance, our limitations can be overcome.
The song finishes with the question, "If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow, why, oh why can't I?" leaving the listener with a sense of longing and wonder. Keith Jarrett's interpretation of the iconic song takes us on an emotional journey and reminds us to hold onto hope, even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Somewhere over the rainbow, way up high
There is a place high above, somewhere beyond this current reality.
There's a land that I've heard of once in a lullaby.
This place beyond is a distant memory, but one that has never been forgotten.
Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
In this place, the sky is always blue, representing peace and calmness.
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.
This place is one where your wildest dreams can become a reality through courage and determination.
Someday I'll wish upon a star
The artist acknowledges that they don't currently possess the courage and determination to go after their dreams, but they hope to one day.
And wake up where the clouds are far behind me.
This place beyond is a utopia, free from pain, suffering, and the burdens of reality.
Where troubles melt like lemon drops,
High above the chimney tops,
That's where you'll find me.
The singer is saying they will reside in this alternate reality where the worries and struggles of life no longer exist.
Somewhere over the rainbow, blue birds fly
Birds fly over the rainbow
Why then, oh why can't I?
The artist is questioning why they can't seem to reach this place beyond, like the bluebirds that fly over it.
If happy little bluebirds fly beyond the rainbow
Why, oh why can't I?
The artist again acknowledges their lack of courage and determination, suggesting that if happy little bluebirds, who have no trouble spreading happiness, can find this place beyond, then there's no reason why they can't find it too.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Yip Harburg, Harold Arlen
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@3flyte_3flyte
Jazz is like an ocean. You dive in and you find gems in the sand and the waves are warm as it crashes over you, never hurting, always caressing.
@oliviaedralin1436
Wow. That’s an indelible comment. It sure is!
@itevgw
Как красиво вы написали !!! ❤
@spencercook4857
When you do get out of your comfort zone and the waves get too big, you can always swim back to what you like. Nothing wrong with enjoying what you like. There's so much jazz out there.
@The_Invisible_Man
Uh?
@DesertRose76
One of the most beautiful definitions of jazz I've ever read! Thank you for that -- it warmed my heart!
@orlando4166
There will never be Artificial Intelligence that can create this, much less overcome it. Every time I listen to this Genius improvising I verify that life is not absurd.
@SpencerTwiddy
Not the way they’re building it now… but at some point there might be
@taylorrobinson9245
Love the sentiment, but yes there will. This an better.
@korieklion
You don’t know anything about artificial intelligence their potentional. Why are you assuming that artificial intelligence can’t have emotions. It depends on what they sense and feel.