Still Live cover

Still Live

Keith Jarrett · 1988

98 min · 9 tracks · jazz

A mesmerizing blend of jazz standards, showcasing improvisational brilliance and emotive piano work that captivates the listener.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    My Funny Valentine Start here — This track exemplifies Jarrett's ability to convey deep emotion through his improvisation, transforming a classic ballad into a personal expression of longing.
  • →
    When I Fall in Love — Jarrett's interpretation brings a fresh intimacy to this standard, with delicate phrasing that builds tension and release throughout the performance.
  • →
    You and the Night and the Music / Extension / Intro / Someday My Prince Will Come — This extended piece showcases Jarrett's exceptional skill in weaving multiple themes together, creating a rich tapestry of sound that evolves organically.
  • →
    Billie's Bounce — In this lively rendition, Jarrett highlights his virtuosity with rhythmic complexity and playful interaction between melody and harmony.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

Instrumental
79 /100
Summit
Higher than 99% of albums we've rated

Jarrett's improvisational skill and emotional depth create a compelling live jazz experience.

What we noticed

  • The album features extended improvisations on jazz standards, with each track often exceeding ten minutes.
  • Jarrett frequently shifts dynamics within pieces, moving from soft, contemplative passages to intense, virtuosic sections.
  • Several tracks incorporate medleys, blending multiple songs seamlessly into a single performance.
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
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

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

  • dynamic exploration of familiar themes
  • patient improvisation with emotional depth
  • wave-like pacing for reflective listening
  • intimate moments for solitude
  • immersive journey through standards

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer short, upbeat tracks
  • seek instant gratification in music

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Fan Favorite — This live album is cherished by fans for its emotional depth and improvisational brilliance.
Themes
intimate balladry· improvisational mastery
Career context
In 1988, Keith Jarrett was already an established figure in jazz, known for his distinctive solo performances. 'Still Live' followed his acclaimed 'The Koln Concert' and continued to solidify his reputation as a master improviser and interpreter of classic standards.
Stylistic neighbors
Chick Corea· Brad Mehldau· Bill Evans

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • My Funny Valentine

    The narrative shifts from a reflective tone to one filled with yearning as the melody rises and falls seamlessly under Jarrett's touch.

    This transition emphasizes the emotional core of the song, illustrating how Jarrett's improvisational choices deepen the connection with the listener.

Tracklist

Disc 1

  • 1 My Funny Valentine Start here 10:50
  • 2 Autumn Leaves 10:24
  • 3 When I Fall in Love 8:22
  • 4 The Song Is You 17:33

Disc 2

  • 1 Come Rain or Come Shine 10:06
  • 2 Late Lament 8:40
  • 3 You and the Night and the Music / Extension / Intro / Someday My Prince Will Come 19:08
  • 4 Billie's Bounce 9:06
  • 5 I Remember Clifford 4:01

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata