Keith Jarrett is my favorite pianist, and I’ve spent a lot of time reading and re-reading most if not all of the published interviews with him. They’re all worth reading in one way or another, but for us pianists, a few stand out head and shoulders above the rest.
I couldn’t narrow “best” down to just one, so here are 4 great interviews with Mr. Jarrett. They’re all “must reads!”
1. Keith Jarrett interview with Ted Rosenthal
Rosenthal is a wonderful jazz pianist, and he was able to discuss the “nuts and bolts” of piano playing with Jarrett in a way that I hadn’t seen before.
2. KJ interview with Ethan Iverson on his blog, Do The Math
Iverson was also able to speak with Jarrett as a fellow pianist. Check out the part when Ethan lists all the famous jazz pianists and Jarrett gives his thought on each. Can you find the common ground between all of Jarrett’s favorites? If so, please tell us your thoughts in the comments below and then I’ll give my opinion so we can compare notes.
3. Audio interview on Piano Jazz
This one’s a true gem! (Imagine if Mozart could have done this?) Jarrett and host Marian McPartland discuss music and play solos and duets together.
4. Interview with David Shenk in The Atlantic
Shenk visited Jarrett at his home, and his insightful questions about the creative process clearly resonated with Jarrett.
I hope you enjoy spending some quality time with these interviews. It will be time well spent!
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