Keith Jarrett playing Jaki Byard's "Chandra"

[Guy Berger]

I'm listening to Keith Jarrett's version of Jaki Byard's "Chandra", from At the Deer Head Inn. It's not a standard (only one other recorded version besides Byard and Jarrett, according to AMG) -- how did Keith come to perform it? Is he a closet Byard fan?

Did Keith encounter Jaki while he studied in Boston?

Early Keith shared Jaki's predilection for stride-type tunes. I wonder if that's another link.

Guy

[RDK]

I'd be surprised if any intelligent jazz musician weren't a fan of Jaki's. I've found that most musicians are more open-minded and familiar with other artists and genres outside of their immediate arena.