To mark the 50th anniversary of The Köln Concert, the WDR Funkhausorchester has released Memories Of Tomorrow – The New Köln Concert, a 12-movement orchestral tribute based on Jarrett’s motifs. Composed by Bernd Wilden and pianist Stephan Görg, the performance was recorded live in Cologne on February 21, 2025.
Thanks Helmut for the link.
The trailer for Köln 75, a film about the story behind The Köln Concert, is now available. Directed by Ido Fluk, it follows Vera Brandes and the challenges leading up to Keith Jarrett’s 1975 performance. The film premieres at the Berlinale.
Thanks David for the link.
Pianist Alexi Lima has released a performance of Keith Jarrett’s Köln Concert, available now on all major streaming platforms (YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Qobuz, etc.). Recorded live at Saint Alain Cathedral in Lavaur, France, this release marks the 50th anniversary of the original 1975 performance.
Thanks Alexi for the information.
From Blue Note Records:
“Saxophonist Branford Marsalis, one of the foremost jazz artists of our time and a pacesetting creative force in the music for more than four decades, is set to make his Blue Note Records debut with the March 28 release of Belonging, a full album interpretation of Keith Jarrett’s 1974 ECM album of the same name which introduced the pianist’s European Quartet. Belonging is Marsalis’ first new release since 2019 with his acclaimed longstanding quartet featuring pianist Joey Calderazzo, bassist Eric Revis, and drummer Justin Faulkner. The lead track “Spiral Dance” is available to stream or download now.”
BBC Radio 4 has produced a programme about Keith Jarrett’s landmark recording. From their description:
“Fifty years after Keith Jarrett performed the Koln Concert to a sellout crowd, Kevin le Gendre explores the enduring appeal of the biggest selling solo piano record of all time, and unpicks a new musical language born out of adversity.”
The 28-minute programme features Jacob Collier, Geoff Dyer, Nikki Yeoh, Django Bates, and Maki Namekawa. It was broadcast on January 14, 2025 and will be available for over a year on the BBC Radio 4 website.
Thanks to Jason for the link.
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