Some might say Keith Jarrett is a Jerk

Jarrett has been banned from future performances here in Perugia at the Umbria Jazz Festival. Good riddiance.

I went to hear him two nights ago at a large outdoor venue. The band was turned down so that only those somewhat close to the stage could hear really well. Normally, even those in the cheap seats (like me, harumph) can at least hear, although you can't see very well. In this case, if you were in the cheap seats you had to strain to hear. Of course those paying the big bucks should have better views, etc. but cutting back on the sound, in my experience, is unheard of - anyplace and in any genre of music. I can only guess at who's request that technical change was made.

Because a few people took pictures, he refused to play any encores, although the public was respectful enough to ask for one. Those taking the photos, of course, were asking for it, but security could have taken care of it. Jarrett didn't have to be such a butt about it. He had begun the concert not just nicely asking for no photos, but threatening the public by saying that if anyone took photos, his trio would leave. I came late so did not hear this, but I was told this morning by a few who were there that the very first words he said to the audience that evening was "no f___ing cameras" and that anyone doing that is a (expletive deleted). Nice intro, Keith.

He called this place a "damn city" and that was more than some of the spectators could bear. Many had come long distances to hear him and the tickets were not cheap. He made around "150,00 Euros (do the $ math; it's a lot) personally for this appearance.

The organiser of this really great festival said, "I can understand everything, even being obsessed about the cameras, but you cannot insult an audience and even an entire city just because of a few flashes." "As an artist Jarrett is sublime, but as a person he leaves much to be desired. It was unfortunate that we had to witness the schizophrenia of these two aspects," he added, LOL.

Oh - the music? There were some sensitive moments but (IMO of course) his playing was low-keyed and lack-lustre; certainly not worth the grief. Wanna hear Jarrett? Buy a CD and spare yourself being treated by him like he expects you not to treat him. Jerk!