Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock & Jack DeJohnette

Biography

Keith Jarrett, Gary Peacock, and Jack DeJohnette formed one of the most celebrated piano trios in jazz history, known as the 'Standards Trio.' Their collaboration began in earnest in 1983, though their musical paths had crossed earlier, notably on Peacock's 1977 album 'Tales of Another.' Jarrett, already renowned for his solo improvisational piano work, sought to revisit the Great American Songbook at a time when jazz was increasingly focused on original compositions and fusion. He chose Peacock and DeJohnette—both highly respected in their own right—for their depth, intuition, and shared musical language.

The trio's first recording session for ECM Records in New York City yielded enough material for three albums, including 'Standards, Vol. 1,' 'Standards, Vol. 2,' and 'Changes.' Uniquely, the group did not rehearse or pre-plan their playlist, relying instead on their collective improvisational prowess and deep understanding of the repertoire. Over the next three decades, the trio released more than a dozen albums, most recorded live, and became known for their telepathic interplay, lyrical interpretations, and ability to find new depths in familiar standards. Their legacy is one of redefining the jazz piano trio, demonstrating that profound artistry could be achieved through reinterpretation as much as innovation.

Fun Facts

• The trio never rehearsed or pre-planned their setlists for recording sessions, relying entirely on spontaneous interaction.
• Their debut as a trio was intended as a one-off project, but the chemistry was so strong that it led to a 30-year collaboration.
• Keith Jarrett's recovery from chronic fatigue syndrome in the late 1990s was partly credited to the healing power of making music with this trio.
• Jack DeJohnette and Keith Jarrett first played together in Charles Lloyd's band in the 1960s, long before forming the trio.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Charles Lloyd - Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette both played in Lloyd's influential quartet in the late 1960s, which shaped their early careers. (Charles Lloyd Quartet recordings (1966-1968)) [1966-1968]
• Miles Davis - Jack DeJohnette played with Miles Davis during his groundbreaking fusion period, influencing his rhythmic approach; Jarrett also played with Davis in the early 1970s. (Miles Davis albums ('Bitches Brew', 'Live-Evil')) [1969-1971]

Key Collaborators

• Manfred Eicher - Producer and founder of ECM Records, who encouraged and recorded the trio's landmark sessions. (Standards, Vol. 1; Standards, Vol. 2; Changes) [1983-2014]
• Charles Lloyd - Early bandleader for both Jarrett and DeJohnette, providing formative ensemble experience. (Charles Lloyd Quartet albums) [1966-1968]

Artists Influenced

• Brad Mehldau - Cited the Standards Trio as a major influence on his approach to the piano trio format and jazz standards. (Art of the Trio series) [1990s-present]
• Vijay Iyer - Inspired by the trio's approach to group improvisation and reinterpretation of standards. (Historicity, Accelerando) [2000s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. So Tender (Standards, Vol. 2)
2. Guess I'll Hang Out My Tears To Dry (My Foolish Heart)
3. One For Majid - Live (After The Fall (Live))
4. Sleepin' Bee - Live (Yesterdays)
5. Opening Day (Blue Maqams)
6. Timeless (Timeless)
7. You've Changed - Live (Yesterdays)
8. All The Things You Are (Setting Standards - The New York Sessions)
9. My Foolish Heart (My Foolish Heart)
10. Blue Maqams (Blue Maqams)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia