Aug 15: ECM Podcast

There are now 70 episodes of the ECM Podcast, which shares news of acts on the roster of this record label, which has helped determine my musical taste over the decades.

Apr 17: Nordic Light

A surprise new release today from Jan Garbarek... not new material - there's been none of that for a long time now sadly... but a lengthy compilation album called Nordic Light. 

The track selection is actually really good on this one, and gives you a good sense of the variety of styles that he has been involved with over the years.

Jan 24: Keith Jarrett's Köln masterpiece

One of the greatest albums of all time, and still the bestselling solo jazz album – and the bestselling solo piano album – of all time, selling more than 4 million copies to date - I have one of them.

It was recorded on this date, back in 1975. 51 years ago today!

There will be a few posts which will be posted on the anniversaries of particular events and this is one of them.

The story behind its creation is also fascinating. It very nearly didn't happen, and the piano it was recorded on had some serious problems which Jarrett overcame, and which contribute to the unusual sound and arrangements on the album. He was exhausted and hungry when he performed.

Jarrett himself has strong feelings about the recording.

I visited the venue where it was recorded in 2024 when I was in Köln for an educational event. 

The city has connections with other bands including Kraftwerk - we will return to them later in the year...

A documentary has been made about the circumstances under which this piece was recorded. The trailer for it is here. I would like to go and see the finished film if possible.

Jan 19: Record Labels #1: ECM

The first of a series of posts featuring some record labels which champion music from global artists.

The record label which I perhaps have more of than any other in my collection is ECM.

ECM was founded by Manfred Eicher.

The covers of ECM music are always works of art.

This Substack article showcases some.

I have a great many ECM records in my collection. 

Here's five of my favourites, although ask me again tomorrow and I'll choose a different five:

1. 'Twelve Moons' - Jan Garbarek Group (1993)

2. Pat Metheny - 'Bright Size Life' (1976)

3. Keith Jarrett - 'Köln Concert (1975)

4. Anouar Brahem - 'Le pas du cat noir' (2002)

5. Ale Moller and Lena Willemark - 'Nordan' (1994)

Some of these will have their moment on the blog as well....

Here's the opening track from one of the albums, the wonderful 'Twelve Moons' - played live. I saw this band and this track performed live.

We also had sad news yesterday of the passing of an artist who has recorded many times with ECM: the virtuoso guitarist and pianist Ralph Towner. A real multi-instrumentalist.