Keith Jarrett/Charlie Haden: Last Dance

Jeff Tamarkin on August 14, 2014

The sad news is that, with the death of Charlie Haden in July, this set of 2007 duo recordings with pianist Keith Jarrett becomes one of the final records issued during the legendary bassist’s lifetime. On the plus side, it’s a beautiful farewell. As on Jasmine, the previous release culled from the same studio sessions, the offered standards and jazz classics—among them Monk’s “‘Round Midnight,” Cole Porter’s “Every Time We Say Goodbye” and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “It Might As Well Be Spring” (the last of which a 12-minute rumination)—find the two musicians in perfect, mutually respectful sync. Jarrett and Haden had a natural rapport. Their shared love of melody guides them but never restricts them—all possibilities are explored. And how apropos that Gordon Jenkins’ melancholy “Goodbye” wraps up this lovingly rendered send-off.

Artist: Keith Jarrett/Charlie Haden
Album: Last Dance
Label: ECM