A page is turning in the world of jazz.
American pianist Keith Jarrett may never be able to perform in concert again.
In an interview published Wednesday in the
New York Times
, he explained that he was partially paralyzed by two strokes.
"
My left side is still partially paralyzed,
" says, for the first time, the 75-year-old musician, after two strokes in February and May 2018. "
I am told that the maximum I could recover from my hand left is the ability to hold a glass,
”he laments.
To read also: Keith Jarrett: "To improvise, you have to be crazy"
Since then, the artist has only rarely sat behind a piano, playing with his right hand only.
“
I don't know what my future is supposed to look like
,” he told the New York daily.
I don't consider myself a pianist today.
"
Jazz legend Keith Jarrett has been at the forefront of the movement since the early 1960s, and has collaborated with reference artists such as Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Jack DeJohnette.
His work around improvisation has led him to give totally improvised solo concerts, which have largely contributed to his reputation as a brilliant virtuoso.
“
I feel like I'm the John Coltrane of pianists,
” he told The
New York Times,
leveling off with the sacred saxophone monster.
What may be Keith Jarrett's last concert dates back to February 2017, at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
If he has recorded several albums in the studio, the native of Allentown (Pennsylvania) is best known for his live performances, his clear-sounding playing and his facial expressions, in particular his head leaning exaggeratedly on the piano.
“
Today, I can't even talk about it,
” he says of the possible end of his stage career.