This appeared in 2008 anthology of recordings by Keith Jarrett for the Atlantic label (for the Jarrett has recorded as a bandleader seven albums) is the successor compilation of "Foundations. The Keith Jarrett Anthology", a sampler of 1994 that is also can be heard with its various formations on two CDs, some of the early works of Jarrett. During the "Foundations" sampler also contains recordings Jarrett with Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers and with Charles Lloyd, is in a nice box and is also betextet very extensive, is "Somewhere Before" something Karger equipped. Nevertheless, the liner notes are quite interesting and worth reading. From the Albums with Jarrett's first trio (with Charlie Haden and Paul Motian), of the record in July 1971 in New York with the trio and Dewey Redman and the extremely interesting disc with vibraphonist Gary Burton included two to five songs. Only from "Restoration Ruin", the folk music of Keith Jarrett, also appeared on Atlantic, missing - as it did in "Foundations" - Song examples. That's a good thing, it would have otherwise, the jazzy character of Compilation disturbed too much. For the collector a bit annoying is the fact that there are a total of nine overlapping of the two samplers, so pieces that appear on two anthologies in the same LP-version. The selection of pieces only partially convinced. Frequently though indeed some of the best songs of each album is selected. However, also tracks found on "Somewhere Before. The Keith Jarrett Anthology. The Atlantic Years 1968-1975", which probably only intended to serve the purpose of documenting the full range of musical expression of various Jarrett formations, so just also Ornette- Coleman-inspired free-jazz numbers (like "Trust"), or the slightly "undercooked" acting "Toll Road" and "Gypsy Moth". From the eponymous live album "Somewhere Before" from 1968, however, some good songs like "Pouts' Over (And The Day's Not Through)" or the ballad "A Moment For Tears" originate. Also from the American-Quartet album "Birth" has coupled with the title song and the strong rock-jazz number "Mortgage On My Soul (Wah-Wah)" the two best album title. Almost completely, the songs are represented, the Jarrett in 1970 recorded with Gary Burton (compared to this LP is only one piece does not exist on this sampler!). These are mainly interesting pop / rock-jazz numbers, where Jarrett also plays several instruments (next to the piano and electric piano and soprano sax). In "Fortune Smiles" one might do without. Conclusion: The whole thing is reduced to a CD, eight to ten titles less and you would have a really great "Best Of" album of the Atlantic recordings of Keith Jarrett. So however dim some weaknesses a little quality.
