Keith Jarrett

Moving to New York at the tender age of nineteen, Keith Jarrett landed an early gig playing with Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, one of the most famous jazz outfits of all time. While that might seem extraordinary, the context makes this event less surprising. Young Keith had his first piano lessons before turning three and appeared on a TV talent show before his sixth birthday. So his early start as a professional jazz pianist and long, highly regarded career are not really a cause for wonder.

Playing along side fellow keyboard wizard Chick Corea in the 1970 Miles Davis band was another early highlight and ear-marked Jarrett for 'leader' status. After a series of quartet albums, Jarrett was invited to record for Manfred Eicher’s ECM label, beginning a long association that includes both ensemble and solo recordings. Most famous amongst the latter is the hugely popular Köln Concert, a double album of solo improvisation still thrilling listeners with its invention, romantic flourishes and technical brilliance.