Creation cover

Creation

Keith Jarrett · 2015

72 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A meditative journey through expansive jazz landscapes, blending improvisation with a deeply spiritual undercurrent.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Creation: Part I Start here — This opening piece sets the tone for the entire album, showcasing Jarrett's unique blend of classical influences and jazz improvisation that captivates listeners from the outset.
  • →
    Creation: Part IV — Part IV features a dynamic interplay of rhythm and melody, highlighting Jarrett's virtuosic piano technique while inviting deep emotional engagement through its evolving motifs.
  • →
    Creation: Part VII — In this track, Jarrett explores more dissonant textures, creating a tension that resolves into lyrical beauty, exemplifying his mastery of contrasting musical ideas.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
82 /100
Summit
Higher than 100% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate improvisation and cohesive flow across its parts, highlighting Jarrett's artistry.

What we noticed

  • Each part varies in tempo and dynamics, with some sections featuring sparse piano lines while others build to more complex, layered textures.
  • Improvisation is a key element, with Jarrett exploring different motifs and themes throughout the pieces, allowing for spontaneous development.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
9/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
8/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
9/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • interconnected pieces for deep listening
  • wave-like pacing encourages reflection
  • immersive experience for quiet moments
  • unfolding soundscapes invite exploration

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
  • seek quick, energetic listening

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Late Career Highlight — Shows continued vitality after a health hiatus, exploring deep improvisational depth.
Themes
spiritual improvisation· meditative soundscapes· personal healing journey
Career context
Released in 2015, Creation marks Keith Jarrett's return to solo improvisation after a prolonged hiatus due to health issues. This album came three years after his last significant release, and it showcases his enduring ability to create spontaneous, intricate soundscapes that reflect both personal and universal themes.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Brad Mehldau· Bill Evans

Tracklist

  • 1 Creation: Part I Start here 8:17
  • 2 Creation: Part II 7:40
  • 3 Creation: Part III 6:59
  • 4 Creation: Part IV 7:33
  • 5 Creation: Part V 7:13
  • 6 Creation: Part VI 9:25
  • 7 Creation: Part VII 8:17
  • 8 Creation: Part VIII 8:36
  • 9 Creation: Part IX 8:30

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata