Restoration Ruin

From HitStory, the pop encyclopedia of School of Rock · Work

Restoration Ruin is an oddity in Keith Jarrett's catalogue. Here he plays almost all the instruments himself, including piano, organ, guitar, soprano saxophone, harmonica and drums, and sings his own lyrics. The record was released in 1968 on Vortex, a subsidiary label of Atlantic. The sound is mainly influenced by folk and progressive rock, and the album is regarded as the beginning of an experimental period, outside jazz and classical.

Sioux City Sue New was also released as a single. Critical opinion is divided. Richie Unterberger of AllMusic gave two and a half stars and heard alternating Dylan-like songs and baroque-folk pieces. Ian Carr called the singing and lyrics weak, and producer George Avakian said the idea came from Jarrett. The Penguin Guide found it a convincing exercise in instrumental versatility.

Listening

Track list

1. 1Restoration Ruin2:22Apple Music ↗
2. 2All Right2:49Apple Music ↗
3. 3For You and Me2:42Apple Music ↗
4. 4Have a Real Time2:54Apple Music ↗
5. 5Sioux City Sue New2:51Apple Music ↗
6. 6You're Fortunate2:23Apple Music ↗
7. 7Fire and Rain2:53Apple Music ↗
8. 8Now He Knows Better3:00Apple Music ↗
9. 9Wonders4:01Apple Music ↗
10. 10Where Are You Going?4:28Apple Music ↗

30-second previews via Apple Music. Listen to the whole album on Apple Music ↗