Jarrett: Bridge of Light

This is Keith Jarrett's most accomplished collection of classical compositions yet, seated squarely in the American East Coast neo-classical tradition of Samuel Barber, David Diamond, Irving Fine, etc. Jarrett's writing for strings is masterful here; the lines move and interweave instead of being shoveled on as in some pieces of the '70s, and the compositions have shape and direction. Most of all, they share a common feeling of reflection and an unabashed willingness to let the instrumental soloists sing. "Elegy for Violin and String Orchestra" is a particularly gorgeous and inspired piece of music, the "Adagio for Oboe and String Orchestra" is not far behind, and "Bridge of Light for Viola and Orchestra" transfers Jarrett's classical idiom to a full chamber orchestra, now with overtones of late-period Vaughan Williams. Jarrett himself plays the piano on his "Sonata for Violin and Piano," whose third movement hearkens back to the repetitive grooves of the solo concerts. Three of the four works date from 1984, while Bridge of Light was written in 1990 -- and in the orchestral pieces, ECM has given conductor Thomas Crawford and the excellent Fairfield Orchestra glowing sound. Though these works have nothing to do with jazz per se, all Jarrett buffs should investigate this music on its own terms. ~ Richard S. Ginell