RELEASED to celebrate US jazz pianist Keith Jarrett’s 70th birthday, Creation is made up of nine pieces selected from improvised solo concerts in Tokyo, Toronto, Paris and Rome last year.

Perhaps because of the chronic fatigue syndrome Jarrett continues to suffer from, the tracks — much like the music found on 2011’s Ri — are all relatively short at around the eight-minute mark.

Much of the playing is deeply meditative and slow moving, though the latter part of the album provides more expansive, plangent sections. Its structure, though, bars any move into the epic, emotionally laden musical narratives that cause critics to gush over Jarrett’s genius.

Fans will find much here to confirm Jarrett’s position as one of the greatest musicians in the world today. But those new to his music may be better off starting with his sublime 1975 Cologne concert.