Birth (1971)

"Pianist Keith Jarrett's sessions of July 1971 resulted in three LPs and the birth of his finest group: a quartet (and sometimes quintet) with tenor saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Charlie Haden, and drummer Paul Motian. This particular album has some eccentric moments, with Jarrett switching to soprano on the effective "Mortgage on My Soul" and making appearances on steel drum, recorder, and banjo (in addition to piano) on two adventurous pieces. Redman is featured on Chinese musette during "Spirit" (which has Haden on conga and steel drums) and also plays some clarinet in addition to his usual tenor. Not everything works, and there are some wandering moments, but the music always holds one's interest; one can easily see the potential that would soon be realized by this intriguing ensemble." (Scott Yanow, Allmusic)