La Fenice
Keith Jarrett · 2018
97 min · 12 tracks · jazz
A meditative exploration of improvisation, blending classical influences with jazz sensibilities in an expansive sonic landscape.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Part I Start here — This opening piece establishes the album's contemplative mood, showcasing Jarrett's fluid improvisational style and setting the thematic tone for the entire work.
-
→
The Sun Whose Rays — This track highlights Jarrett's ability to reinterpret classical melodies through a jazz lens, merging lyrical beauty with complex harmonic structures.
-
→
Stella By Starlight — Jarrett's rendition transforms this standard into an intimate dialogue between melody and improvisation, revealing his deep connection to the piece.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album showcases intricate improvisation and strong craftsmanship, making it a notable return for Jarrett.
What we noticed
- The album consists of lengthy improvisational pieces, with each part often exceeding ten minutes, allowing for deep exploration of themes.
- Several tracks feature recurring motifs that evolve over time, creating a sense of continuity and development within the improvisation.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
9/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. 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
- serene improvisation for reflection
- dynamic exploration of soundscapes
- wave-like pacing inviting immersion
- captivating detail for attentive listeners
- spontaneous creativity in quiet moments
Maybe skip if you
- need for instant gratification
- prefer structured, short tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Late Career Highlight — Showcases Jarrett's return after health challenges, highlighting his continued artistry.
- Themes
- meditative improvisation· intimate piano dialogue
- Career context
- La Fenice marks Keith Jarrett's first album since his health challenges in 2017 that led to a temporary hiatus. Released on January 1, 2018, it showcases his return to solo piano performances, continuing a career characterized by innovative improvisation across genres. This album reinforces his reputation as a pioneer in blending jazz with classical traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Chick Corea· Brad Mehldau· Bill Evans
Tracklist
Disc 1
- 1 Part I Start here 17:44
- 2 Part II 3:26
- 3 Part III 9:48
- 4 Part IV 7:16
- 5 Part V 6:36
Disc 2
- 1 Part VI 13:32
- 2 The Sun Whose Rays 4:22
- 3 Part VII 5:30
- 4 Part VIII 7:15
- 5 My Wild Irish Rose 7:03
- 6 Stella By Starlight 6:33
- 7 Blossom 8:35
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Largo
Brad Mehldau
Explores meditative piano improvisation with a blend of jazz and classical influences.
Piano Improvisations Vol. 1
Chick Corea
Features intimate solo piano performances that highlight lyrical and spontaneous dialogue.
Mockroot
Tigran Hamasyan
Merges jazz improvisation with classical motifs, creating an expansive and introspective soundscape.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.