In his book on Jarrett, Wolfgang Sandner describes the album "Belonging" as a rare masterpiece and a marvel of intuitive understanding between the musicians. The recording is unparalleled in its clarity and balance, the natural musicality of the four players (without a trace of egotistical virtuosity), their self-assured and conscious communication, and their artistic discretion in responding to each other's ideas. The music achieves formal perfection and is flawless in its execution. The music of "Belonging"—three beautiful, yearning ballads ("Blossom," "Belonging," "Solstice") and three exhilaratingly driving pieces ("Spiral Dance," "Long As You Know You're Living Yours," "The Windup")—was composed to highlight the particular strengths of this group of musicians. The positive energy and uplifting character are powerfully represented by Tadayuki Naito's radiant celestial painting on the cover.
