Is The Cure a good place to start with Keith Jarrett?

Yes, The Cure is recommended as a starting point for new Keith Jarrett listeners. A meditative blend of improvisational jazz, filled with intricate melodies and soulful piano lines that invite deep listening. By the time The Cure was released in 1991, Keith Jarrett had established himself as a leading figure in jazz, particularly known for his solo piano performances. This album followed his acclaimed live recordings and showcased his continued exploration of jazz standards while incorporating personal interpretations.

The Cure works well if you're into meditative evening listening experience, steady progression with resolution and introspective moments of reflection.

How many songs are on The Cure?

The Cure has 8 tracks, running approximately 77 minutes.

The Cure

Keith Jarrett · 1991

77 min · 8 tracks · jazz

A meditative blend of improvisational jazz, filled with intricate melodies and soulful piano lines that invite deep listening.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Bemsha Swing Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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Body and Soul — Jarrett's interpretation of this classic ballad is marked by emotional depth and technical mastery, showcasing his ability to blend improvisation with lyrical beauty.
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The Cure — The title track stands out for its free-flowing structure and rich harmonic explorations, embodying Jarrett's unique style of spontaneous composition.
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Old Folks — This rendition highlights Jarrett's sensitivity and nuanced understanding of the piece, transforming it into an introspective journey that resonates deeply.

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 intricate improvisation and expressive playing create a meditative atmosphere that rewards deep listening.

What we noticed

The album features extended improvisational sections, with each track allowing Jarrett to explore themes over long, flowing piano lines.
The final track transitions into a more reflective tone, contrasting with the earlier pieces and providing a sense of closure.

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

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

meditative evening listening experience
steady progression with resolution
introspective moments of reflection
fluid improvisation for deep focus

Maybe skip if you

seeks fast-paced excitement
prefers standalone tracks only

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Critical Peak — The Cure is noted for its intimate arrangements and expressive playing, marking a high point in Jarrett's career.
Themes: introspective journeys· soulful piano lines· spontaneous composition
Career context: By the time The Cure was released in 1991, Keith Jarrett had established himself as a leading figure in jazz, particularly known for his solo piano performances. This album followed his acclaimed live recordings and showcased his continued exploration of jazz standards while incorporating personal interpretations.
Stylistic neighbors: Chick Corea· Brad Mehldau· Bill Evans