Keith Jarrett - The Koln Concert (Vinyl 2LP | DE Original | 1975)

Keith Jarrett – The Köln Concert is the recording of an entirely improvised solo concert that Keith Jarrett played at the Cologne Opera House on 24 January 1975. It was organised by 18-year-old promoter Vera Brandes; the concert only began at 11:30 pm after an opera performance, and instead of the requested Bösendorfer concert grand, only a smaller rehearsal piano in poor condition was available. Produced by Manfred Eicher and recorded by Martin Wieland, the double LP came out on ECM in November 1975 and, with around four million copies sold, is regarded as the best-selling jazz solo album and best-selling piano recording. This is a German ECM pressing in a gatefold sleeve with catalogue number ECM 1064/65 ST.

Pressing details

• Label / Cat. no.: ECM Records ECM 1064/65 ST
• Format: Vinyl 2LP, Album, Gatefold
• Pressing: DE Original
• Country: Germany
• Released: 1975
• Genre: Jazz, Post Bop, Free Improvisation

Condition

• Condition: Second hand
• Media: NM-
• Cover: VG+ (with wear)

Graded to Goldmine standard (see Vinyl Grading). The images are our own scans of the actual copy for sale (SKU S KJ3).

Tracklist

Side A

1. Köln, January 24, 1975 Part I

Side B

1. Köln, January 24, 1975 Part II a

Side C

1. Köln, January 24, 1975 Part II b

Side D

1. Köln, January 24, 1975 Part II c

All music improvised by Keith Jarrett.

Personnel

Keith Jarrett (piano, composer). Producer: Manfred Eicher; engineer: Martin Wieland. Recorded live at the Cologne Opera House on 24 January 1975. Photography: Wolfgang Frankenstein; cover design: B&B Wojirsch.

FAQ

Is this the first pressing?
It is a German ECM pressing with the original number ECM 1064/65 ST in a gatefold sleeve. First pressings can be identified by, among other things, the "ECM Records" logo on the labels, no label code and label rim text starting "Urheber- und Leistungsschutzrechte…". Feel free to ask us about the details of this copy.

Why does the piano sound so particular?
Jarrett played a smaller Bösendorfer rehearsal piano with thin treble and weak bass, because the requested concert grand was not available in time. He adapted his playing to the instrument, which is exactly what gives this recording its own sound.

What does Media NM- / Cover VG+ mean?
NM- (Near Mint minus) means the records are close to new with at most minimal traces. VG+ (Very Good Plus) means the gatefold sleeve shows light wear. All grades are explained on our Vinyl Grading page.

Do you have more records by Keith Jarrett?
Yes, for example Solo Concerts: Bremen / Lausanne, The Survivors’ Suite and Standards, Vol. 1. More titles are in our Jazz collection.