Cure, The

Recorded live at New York City's Town Hall in 1990, THE CURE features Keith Jarrett with his Standards Trio, which, as befitting its stellar reputation, offers a set comprised of assorted standards and covers, save the Jarrett-penned title track. One of the high points is the Oscar Levant gem, "Blame it on My Youth". These three players bring so much sympathetic invention to bear that even an often-heard tune like "Body and Soul" is given fresh life. Which is precisely as it should be: a standard deserves to live and breathe anew.

Sure, the Keith Jarrett Trio of the '80s and '90s recorded way too much music for the casual fan to absorb. But one's reservations fade when confronted with the sheer creativity and empathy that the trio displayed in this gorgeously recorded live date at New York's Town Hall. As in several albums before, the emphasis for Jarrett, Gary Peacock and Jack DeJohnette is on standards, save for a sole ostinato-based Jarrett original (the title track). "Bemsha Swing" finds Jarrett at very nearly his best, transforming standard material completely in his own funky manner. In addition, there is a really beautiful rendition of Oscar Levant's "Blame It on My Youth," and an eloquently harmonized "Body and Soul" with generous solo space for Peacock. There is some squeaky vocalizing by Jarrett over some of his solos, but not enough to deter anyone from enjoying this 77-minute outpouring of first-class improvisational jazz. ~ Richard S. Ginell