Jarrett/ Peacock/ DeJohnette

Biography

Jarrett/Peacock/DeJohnette, often referred to as the 'Standards Trio,' was a groundbreaking jazz piano trio formed by pianist Keith Jarrett, bassist Gary Peacock, and drummer Jack DeJohnette. The group first recorded together in 1977 for Peacock's album 'Tales of Another,' but their formal collaboration began in 1983 when Jarrett, inspired to revisit the Great American Songbook, invited Peacock and DeJohnette to record what became the seminal 'Standards, Vol. 1.' This marked the beginning of a 31-year partnership that would redefine the jazz trio format[2][3][5][7].

The trio's approach was revolutionary in its democratic interplay: each member contributed equally to the music's direction, often described as a musical conversation where roles were fluid and improvisation was paramount. Their repertoire focused on jazz standards, but their interpretations were deeply personal, blending tradition with spontaneous invention. Over three decades, they released more than 20 albums and became renowned for their telepathic communication and emotional depth, performing together until 2014. Their legacy is widely regarded as one of the most influential in modern jazz, setting new standards for ensemble interaction and the art of the jazz standard[3][6].

Fun Facts

• The trio's first official recording was actually for Gary Peacock's album 'Tales of Another' in 1977, six years before their formal debut as a group[2][5].
• Keith Jarrett initially avoided playing standards in his career, focusing on original compositions, but later returned to them with a renewed passion that sparked the trio's formation[3].
• The trio was known for their telepathic musical communication, often performing entire concerts without predetermined setlists or arrangements[3][6].
• Their final performance as a trio was in 2014, marking over three decades of continuous collaboration[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Bill Evans - Major stylistic influence on Keith Jarrett, especially in trio interplay and harmonic approach. (Bill Evans Trio recordings) [1950s-1960s (influence on Jarrett's formative years)]

Key Collaborators

• Manfred Eicher - Producer and founder of ECM Records, pivotal in bringing the trio together and shaping their sound. (Tales of Another, Standards, Vol. 1, and subsequent ECM albums) [1977-2014]
• Paul Motian - Occasional substitute drummer for live performances and recordings with Jarrett and Peacock. (At the Deer Head Inn (1993)) [1993]
• Charles Lloyd - Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette both played in Lloyd's quartet, which influenced their musical rapport. (Charles Lloyd Quartet recordings) [1966-1969]

Artists Influenced

• Brad Mehldau - Cited the Standards Trio as a major influence on his own trio's approach to jazz standards and group improvisation. (Brad Mehldau Trio albums) [1990s-present]
• Vijay Iyer - Inspired by the trio's egalitarian interplay and improvisational depth. (Vijay Iyer Trio recordings) [2000s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Pony (I'm the One)
2. Survival (The Perfect Release)
3. The Succubus (The Perfect Release)
4. My Mama Never Taught Me How to Cook (X Dreams)
5. Rubber Hunger (The Perfect Release)
6. I'm the One (I'm the One)
7. Solar System (The Perfect Release)
8. This Feel Within (X Dreams)
9. 7 Days (I'm the One)
10. Just For The Kick (Sound Mirrors)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia