'Last Dance', the final duo album by Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden, is released on audiophile 180g vinyl, three months after the CD version. The title of the album - and also that of its ultimate track - regrettably rings true as the legendary bassist Charlie Haden died on 11 July 2014. Recorded at Keith Jarrett's home studio during the same sessions that produced the best-selling 'Jasmine', released in 2010, it has turned out to be the last time these great artists made music together.
With 'Last Dance', Jarrett and Haden broadened the scope of their duo project to showcase jazz classics like Thelonious Monk's "Round Midnight" and Bud Powell's sprightly "Dance Of The Infidels". Love songs, however, are to the fore, with tender versions of "My Old Flame", "My Ship", "It Might As Well Be Spring", "Everything Happens To Me", and "Every Time We Say Goodbye" as well as alternate takes of "Where Can I Go Without You" and "Goodbye", every bit as touching as their renditions on 'Jasmine'.
"When we play together it's like two people singing", said Keith Jarrett of his reunion with Haden. The intentions of the song are honoured, the shades of meaning in a melody or a lyric explored instrumentally. As Charlie Haden put it, "Keith really listens, and I listen. That's the secret. It's about listening." The music of Last Dance was recorded at Keith Jarrett's home studio.
Personnel: Keith Jarrett (piano), Charlie Haden (double bass)
Press reactions to Jasmine:
"As a concept, these piano-and-bass explorations of eight classic American songs could not be simpler, but the poise and subtlety of both thought and execution make it a spell-binding experience." - Dave Gelly, The Observer
"An intimate, home-studio recording of love songs - deep, almost painfully heartfelt - and so good it will be sure to top most best-of-lists...If you buy only one album this year..." - Phil Johnson, Independent on Sunday
"A sublime collaboration." - Charles Waring, Record Collector
