Somewhere Before is a live album by pianist Keith Jarrett recorded on August 30 and 31, 1968, at Shelly's Manne-Hole in Hollywood, California with his first trio, composed of Charlie Haden (bass) and Paul Motian (drums).
Reception The AllMusic review by Richard S. Ginell awarded the album 4 stars, stating, "As an example of early, unfocused Jarrett, this is fascinating material.".Ginell, R. Allmusic Review accessed September 17, 2011 The authors of the Penguin Guide to Jazz Recordings commented: "Heavily rock-influenced and reminiscent of the methodology of the Charles Lloyd Quartet and the Miles Davis group, of which Jarrett was still a member... it has a freshness of approach that Jarrett quickly lost and was slow to regain." Pianist / composer Ethan Iverson singled out "My Back Pages" for praise, stating: "Dylan recorded it as a waltz, but this backbeat 4/4 rendition emulates the hit version by The Byrds. Jarrett's control of light and shade, both in the melody and the accompaniment, gives his pianism a kind of glamour that can reach out and touch listeners from any background."
Track listing All compositions by Keith Jarrett except as indicated
"My Back Pages" (Bob Dylan) - 5:24 "Pretty Ballad" - 3:30 "Moving Soon" - 4:24 "Somewhere Before" - 6:50 "New Rag" - 5:40 "A Moment for Tears" - 3:07 "Pouts' Over (And the Day's Not Through)" - 4:35 "Dedicated to You" (Sammy Cahn, Saul Chaplin, Hy Zaret) - 5:00 "Old Rag" - 2:37
Personnel Keith Jarrett - piano Charlie Haden - double-bass Paul Motian - drums
References