Dive into the avant-garde world of Søren Kjærgaard with "Keys," a captivating double-album released on January 30, 2006, via ILK Music. This 21-track collection, spanning a total of 1 hour and 9 minutes, showcases Kjærgaard's mastery of free jazz and avant-garde music, all performed on the piano. The album is split into two discs: the first is a standard-length CD featuring a series of intricate and expressive solo piano pieces, while the second is an 18-minute mini-CD that offers a more concise and intense listening experience.
"Keys" opens with "Night & Day," setting the tone for the eclectic mix of standards and original compositions that follow. Tracks like "Yesterdays" and "What's New" offer familiar melodies reimagined through Kjærgaard's unique lens, while pieces such as "Mr. Tutu's Dance Cycle" and "Brothersister" delve into more experimental territory. The album also includes a two-part suite, "Now Piece, Pt. 1" and "Now Piece, Pt. 2," which demonstrates Kjærgaard's ability to craft cohesive and engaging musical narratives.
Recorded in the National Radio studios, "Keys" benefits from a pristine production that allows Kjærgaard's virtuosic playing to shine. Whether you're a longtime fan of avant-garde jazz or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the innovative and boundary-pushing work of Søren Kjærgaard.
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