KEITH JARRETT Arbour Zena

 "I consider this one of my most richly lyrical and consistently inspired works," wrote Keith Jarrett of Arbour Zena. "Jan Garbarek's contribution is irreplaceable and ecstatic." It is easy to agree that Arbour Zena is one of Jarrett's most exceptional albums.

In some ways a follow-up to Jarrett's first recorded collaboration with Jan Garbarek, the previous year's Luminessence for saxophone and string orchestra, Arbour Zena adds Keith himself and bassist Charlie Haden to the mix. Evocative writing for strings, beautiful playing by Jan, Keith, and Haden at his most soulful, and a glowing panoramic production make this 1975 recording one of the finest of ECM's first decade albums.