snobb
The Survivors' Suite is one of the strongest Jarrett's album. And it's one more reason for me just to ensure in my feeling to Jarrett's music: I understand he's skilled musician and some things he plays are good virtuosity examples, but generally I don't like him playing.
The Survivor's Suite contains just two long compositions with mixed post-bop (small amount),third stream (bigger amount)and avant-garde jazz elements. Besides of usual Jarrett's love to melodies and strong European classical influence, there are enough space for improvs (what really save album from being boring). All Jarrett's collaborators (so called his American Quartet) are excellent musicians, and I really enjoy them playing (especially Haden's bass and Dewey Redman's sax improvs on the beginning of the second album's composition).
Comparing with Jarrett European quartet's music of similar period, this album contains more experimental and innovative music (even if of similar musical direction). There are strong avant-garde jazz atmosphere on this album (and everyone familiar with Jarrett-Garbarek and co. works knows that this spirit was lost there). Possibly it sounds as paradox, but most interesting and attractive musical part on this album comes from all three Jarret's collaborators, not from himself. Even more - his overuse of pseudo-classical techniques just kills jazz spirit in all music!
In all - still interesting album, possibly one of Jarrett's best. Should attract third stream fans with love to lot of free-form improvs in their music. Not adventurous enough to be loved by avant-garde jazz lovers though.