Book of Ways cover

Book of Ways

Keith Jarrett · 1987

101 min · 19 tracks · jazz

A tapestry of spontaneous improvisation, weaving intricate melodies and textures through the piano's expressive range.

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Top tracks — play these first

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    Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 1 Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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    Book of Ways 1 — The opening track sets the tone for the album with its meditative pace and exploratory motifs that showcase Jarrett's improvisational brilliance.
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    Book of Ways 4 — This track highlights a dynamic shift in tempo and mood, illustrating Jarrett’s ability to seamlessly transition between reflective moments and vibrant passages.
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    Book of Ways 6 — With its rich harmonic textures, this piece exemplifies the album's intricate layering while maintaining an organic feel within the improvisational framework.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • meditative exploration of sound
  • dynamic peaks and valleys
  • long-form improvisational journey
  • patient unfolding of motifs
  • introspective headphone listening

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking instant gratification
  • prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Represents a departure in Jarrett's improvisational style and sound.
Themes
piano improvisation· meditative exploration· dynamic contrasts
Career context
By 1987, Keith Jarrett was already an established jazz pianist known for his innovative improvisational style. 'Book of Ways' arrived after his acclaimed solo piano recordings, marking a departure into more structured yet explorative compositions that reflected his artistic evolution.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Brad Mehldau· Bill Evans
New to Keith Jarrett? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 1 Start here 9:17
  • 2 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 2 3:46
  • 3 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 3 4:12
  • 4 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 4 5:01
  • 5 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 5 3:07
  • 6 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 6 4:16
  • 7 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 7 3:34
  • 8 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 8 5:43
  • 9 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 9 5:11
  • 10 Book of Ways, Vol. 1: Book of Ways 10 3:36

Disc 2

  • 1 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 1 6:23
  • 2 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 2 4:16
  • 3 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 3 4:45
  • 4 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 4 7:18
  • 5 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 5 5:56
  • 6 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 6 7:34
  • 7 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 7 4:03
  • 8 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 8 7:24
  • 9 Book of Ways, Vol. 2: Book of Ways 9 5:39

What to play next

Still Live
Listen next

Still Live

1988

Continues the improvisational spirit with a live setting, enhancing the emotional depth.
Spirits
Go back to

Spirits

1986
Full Keith Jarrett discography Where to start with Keith Jarrett Artists like Keith Jarrett
jazz

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Piano Improvisations Vol. 1

Piano Improvisations Vol. 1

Chick Corea

Explores spontaneous piano improvisation, blending intricate melodies with a meditative atmosphere.

Alone

Alone

Bill Evans

Features reflective solo piano work that emphasizes dynamic contrasts and emotional depth in improvisation.

Mockroot

Mockroot

Tigran Hamasyan

Combines jazz improvisation with rich textures and a contemplative approach to melody and rhythm.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata