The double album “Rio” is Keith Jarrett’s 12th solo concert album released by ECM. Exactly fourty years ago his first solo album “Facing You” was released, and thirty six years ago noted “Köln Concert” – best selled piano album in the history of discography.
Last in a row “Rio” is a recorded concert held in Teatro Municipal in Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of April last year. It was Jarrett’s second appearance in Brasil after he performed in this Southamerican country for the first time more than two decades ago.
The album brings 15 compositions and Jarrett himself thinks it’s one of his best concerts.“Jazzy, serious, sweet, playful, warm, economical, energetic, passionate, and connected with the Brazilian culture in a unique way”, were Jarrett’s words after the concert.
Jazzwise called it a masterpiece and some critics already put it next to mentioned “Köln Concert”. “It takes a little to get over the first sight shock: an ECM cover in glowing yellow and red nuances, in contrast to usual, mysterious and monochrome ones we are used to”, was a comment of one The Guardian journalist, where he also remarks that the colour explosion on the cover becomes understandable after you listen to this remarcable album.
After listening to his private recording of the recital, “I remember asking myself, ‘How can I play anywhere after this?’… I could listen this album constantly”, was said by Jarrett in an interview for the Chicago Tribune.
ECM announced new releases of the American pianist who is nonecompetitive when it comes to the art of improvising.