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On the Edge

An Improvisation on My Life

Keith Jarrett is one of the most acclaimed pianists in the world. Over the course of his career, he has collaborated with many jazz and classical luminaries, and worked in many musical forms, but he is perhaps best known for his ground-breaking solo work. In the 1970s, Jarrett pioneered a new genre -- the concert-length improvisation – within which he has created some of the most distinctive, beautiful and enduring records of the past century. His Köln Concert (1975) is the bestselling solo piano album of all time.

Jarrett’s intense relationship with music began early: he was two years old when he began to play drums with celery sticks on the kitchen table; three when it was discovered that he had perfect pitch; seven at the time of his first public recital – during which he included a piece of his own invention. As Jarrett’s extraordinary career took wing, his emotional and intellectual connection to his art only intensified. For decades, his virtuosic, deeply felt performances enthralled audiences around the world, lifting ‘piano improvisation as an art form to new, unimaginable heights’ (Polar Music Prize Committee).

On the Edge represents the first and only time that Jarrett will tell the story of his life in music, illuminating his unique approach to composition, improvisation, practice, technique, collaboration, and creativity. It allows us to step into the mind of a genius and experience his extraordinary relationship with, and philosophy of, music.

He is not just the world’s greatest piano player but our greatest living musician

Geoff Dyer, Guardian

About Keith Jarrett

Keith Jarrett (b. 1945) is an American pianist and composer. He has won countless prizes and is widely regarded as ‘our greatest living musician’ (Guardian).
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Details
  • Imprint: Allen Lane
  • ISBN: 9780241811627
  • Length: 304 pages
  • Price: £25.00
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