What ECM are you listening to and Why?

Lontano · October-23rd-2009, 10:40 AM

I post on several forums what I listen to but thought it might be good to have a thread where we can post an ECM we are listening to and maybe expand a bit on why we are listening to it or what we like about it/our thoughts on it.

I think this might help me with my ECM collection, as there will always be albums I have not given full attention to or liked so much, and when others comment I may see them and listen to them going forward in a different light.

So I'll kick off with this one.

Wolfert Brederode - Currents

I think that this is one of the best and possibly most underrated/unnoticed issues on ECM in recent years. I find it very melodic, atmospheric and well just puts me in a trance like frame of mind. It will always remind me of a journey we took driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Leo1024 · October-23rd-2009, 11:14 AM

This is probable not the best E. Weber's record, but "A Dark Spell" track is just incredible (included also on the "Works" CD).

CraigL · October-23rd-2009, 11:35 AM

I am listening to these - Tomasz Stanko Quartet, Soul of Things and Lontano, and have been for some months.

My entry into ECM was Pat Metheny in 1979 (as a guitar player with something really new to say...I play as well), as well as Keith Jarrett (Koln Concert) and Ralph Towner (Soltice, Sound and Shadows). That led me on a long, tremendously meaningful and enjoyable trip through and around the catalog in the years between then and now, and it continues (and will continue).

But there is something in the atmosphere, tone, logic and music of these two releases that keeps tugging me back for more. My wife and I just spent two weeks at the Outer Banks of NC, and it was these two CDs (and to a slightly lesser extent Suspended Night) that we typically led our day off with. Music to put you in places of peace and relaxation, perhaps tug on the emotions (the mood that is created in some of the cuts is remarkable). But it always the musicianship - the way that Stanko blows his horn, the colors he uses, the runs he uses for punctuations - and the sensitive way in which the supporting players provide the support.

The music on these CDs make me happy, make me feel, put me at peace, and have become essential parts of my/my wife's lives.

Lontano · October-23rd-2009, 12:43 PM

Craig - Soul of Things and Lontano are two of my favourite ECM albums. I can really understand why you described them as you did and what they meen to you and your wife.

I have also been playing the new Stanko album Dark Eyes a lot this week and it really is superb. Released on Monday in the UK and going very cheap at Amazon.co.uk. A little more edgy and with an exciting new band including guitar.

Leo - I am now playing Little Movements and will be listening out carefully for the Dark Spell track.

Earlier today I played

Barre Phillips - Call Me When You Get There. Picked this up on vinyl second hand this week as was a gap in my collection and I really enyoyed it on first play. Solo Bass.

Leo1024 · October-23rd-2009, 01:46 PM

I agree according to Wolfert Brederode first ECM release. Very strong position!

And now, nice new Stefano Bollani Trio in my CD player. Compatible with autumn weather.

Lontano · October-23rd-2009, 02:06 PM

Now one of my favourite ECM's. This is such a good album with the wonderful keyboards of Bruninghaus ably supported by Kenny Wheeler, Jon Christensen and Brynjar Hoff. I bought this album years ago after seeing Bruninghaus in the Garbarek band and it is one of my most played ECM's

Jazzylisp · October-24th-2009, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lontano

I think that this is one of the best and possibly most underrated/unnoticed issues on ECM in recent years. I find it very melodic, atmospheric and well just puts me in a trance like frame of mind. It will always remind me of a journey we took driving the Great Ocean Road in Australia.

Agreed with your assessment on the Brederode.

I love Freigeweht too.

eiffel · October-25th-2009, 01:13 PM

Currently on heavy rotation:

Rainer Brüninghaus / Freigeweht: His strong playing playing on Jan Garbarek's recent live album reminded me of RB's own albums. I had Freigeweht on vinyl when it came out many years ago, but that is long gone; the CD issue has become rather rare and is listed as 'currently unavailable' at ECM, but in the end I found an online supplier that could deliver a copy. This album is even better than I remembered it and has good chances to enter my ECM Top 10 (not sure about the other 9 yet).

Thomas Stanko / Dark Eyes: I heard a few tracks on the public radio where this was featured as the 'album of the week'. They raffled five Cds, I took part and had the luck to win a copy. I listened to it a few times and find this a very strong album. While easily identifiable as a Stanko album, the new lineup with electric guitar and bassguitar adds some new sounds. The title track is a groover and there is even the hint of a samba on one track.

Egberto Gismonti / Dança das Cabeças: This is another classic that I once had on vinyl. Recently I found it as a used CD, and it was interesting to listen to this album again after many years. Way back then I had almost exclusively listened to the 'guitar side', today I find the 'piano side' to be on par. On the whole, perhaps not quite the magic as it was then, but certainly 95%.

Lontano · October-25th-2009, 01:37 PM

Today I have played a couple of Metheny albums. I have always been a big Metheny fan but always tend to listen to his output from Offramp onwards. Anyway, I have bought a load of ECM vinyl recently to play on my new turntable and these got their turn. I have had them on CD for years but vinyl does make you listen more closely as the remote does not work! I throughly enjoyed these albums.

Lontano · October-25th-2009, 01:41 PM

Eiffel - seems to be a few of us that like the Bruninghaus album. Shame that it is not available at the moment but I imagine it does not sell in very big quantities. It is another of those albums that it one of the finest in the ECM catalogue but unknown to many.

Nice to win the Stanko album! I think it is a very good album and I look forward to seeing him and his band play it on his UK tour in a couple of weeks.

eiffel · October-25th-2009, 02:24 PM

Yes, Freigeweht is certainly one of the hidden treasures and it's great to see that it has its fans. The printed ECM catalogue does not list a CD issue at all and says 'download only', so I am not sure whether this will be available on CD again. Anyway, I am looking forward to seeing RB live with Jan Garbarek next year.

Lontano · October-25th-2009, 03:12 PM

I have not played this album in many years. Now playing my new vinyl copy and it is really is a good album. I am particularly enjoying the bass from Vitous. The whole thing is very simple and atmospheric.

CraigL · October-26th-2009, 11:29 AM

Barre Phillips, ECM 1076 - Mountainscapes

E1076g.jpg

Now I will take us back to one of the very first ECMs I heard - my roommate in graduate school had this on vinyl, back in 1978. I was intrigued by the cover art, and amazed by the music. To me, this release sets up a particular mood/feel - parts of it could be used as a scary movie soundtrack, other parts sound like something that would play in your brain at sunrise. Parts of it was just great abstract, rhythmic jazz. Surman sounds like a seagull calling on some of his blows. Stu Martin's drumming is just perfect - the way he opens the final track, coming in after Phillips' plucking, is just plain exciting - and Abercrombie's guitar playing on that last track (his first notes recorded for ECM!) show a style that is very unusual for him.

I will say that for the most part, I find all of Barre Phillips' music to be very compelling - Three Day Moon is quite amazing (and one of Rypdal's finest accomplishments), as is Journal Violone II. Music By....is the most obscure of the bunch, and very, very unusual (the two vocalists set up quite an edgy atmosphere). Kind of hard to describe, but I'd love to see it re-released on CD (I am listening to a casette made the one time I played my vinyl).

BrianL1 · October-26th-2009, 11:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CraigL

Barre Phillips, ECM 1076 - Mountainscapes

Attachment 5240

Now I will take us back to one of the very first ECMs I heard - my roommate in graduate school had this on vinyl, back in 1978. I was intrigued by the cover art, and amazed by the music. To me, this release sets up a particular mood/feel - parts of it could be used as a scary movie soundtrack, other parts sound like something that would play in your brain at sunrise. Parts of it was just great abstract, rhythmic jazz. Surman sounds like a seagull calling on some of his blows. Stu Martin's drumming is just perfect - the way he opens the final track, coming in after Phillips' plucking, is just plain exciting - and Abercrombie's guitar playing on that last track (his first notes recorded for ECM!) show a style that is very unusual for him.

Great disc!

But wasn't Abercrombie's first ECM notes on Lookout Farm back in 1973?

CraigL · October-26th-2009, 11:49 PM

Ah! Good catch...forgot the two Liebman discs. (Lookout Farm and Drum Ode). I've tried to like each of them.....I guess that's why they were somewhat forgettable! Also, Pilgrim and the Stars, perhaps (came out near Mountainscapes), which I really love.

Lontano · October-29th-2009, 02:51 PM

Just one of the best ECM albums of recent years. The tone of the trumpet is so lovely. My wife and I saw him live and we were blown away by the show in a small theatre. Pictures taken at the show in Oxford UK, April 2009

Nitya · October-31st-2009, 02:51 PM

I recognize the drummer (Rune Arnesen) and bass player (Audun Erlien) late of Nils Petter Molvaer's old sextet. Do you know who the piano player is?

I was underwhelmed by Eick's album "The Door" but love his playing.

Sand · October-31st-2009, 05:15 PM

Recorded in 2002 and released in 2005

Since then I have returned to this recording; to this world, when I have been open to the fine nuances and surprises than Dino and Jon offer through their interplay.
I have been richly rewarded.

Lontano · October-31st-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitya

I recognize the drummer (Rune Arnesen) and bass player (Audun Erlien) late of Nils Petter Molvaer's old sextet. Do you know who the piano player is?

I was underwhelmed by Eick's album "The Door" but love his playing.

Shame you did not like The Door. As I said one of my recent faves. Have you tried the new Lars Danielsson Album - Tarantella - another fave of mine and loads of great trumpet on it from Eick.

Don't remember the name of the pianist - not someone I had heard of before.

Sand · October-31st-2009, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lontano

Shame you did not like The Door. As I said one of my recent faves. Have you tried the new Lars Danielsson Album - Tarantella - another fave of mine and loads of great trumpet on it from Eick.

Don't remember the name of the pianist - not someone I had heard of before.

I believe the pianist is Andreas Ulvo who latest recording with eple trio is worth taking note of. He's also working with Frøy Aagre and I love what they do together on Countryside

Personally, I think that Eick is not quite there yet on his own album, allthough he is showing great promise. Some of the tracks/compositions are too weak in my ears. He's strong on other recordings like Lars Danielsson's Tarantella. I just happened to be listening to that one this afternoon.

This thread made me curious about Currens and Freigeweht.

CraigL · October-31st-2009, 11:00 PM

And another that is just spectacular - not only for listening, but watching -

For a remarkable opportunity to see a musical suite/creation containing themes from nearly all of Elena Karaindrou's compositions, there is no way you can watch this and not be moved. The playing, unique ethnic instruments used in some sections, vocals - very compelling. We often listen to Eleni's music on Sunday mornings while reading the paper.

Nitya · November-1st-2009, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sand

I believe the pianist is Andreas Ulvo who latest recording with eple trio is worth taking note of. He's also working with Frøy Aagre and I love what they do together on Countryside

Thanks for the info

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sand

Personally, I think that Eick is not quite there yet on his own album, allthough he is showing great promise. Some of the tracks/compositions are too weak in my ears. He's strong on other recordings like Lars Danielsson's Tarantella. I just happened to be listening to that one this afternoon.

I agree completely and have and enjoy immensely "European Voices", "Libera Me", "Melange Bleu", "Pasodoble" and "Tarantella" since Danielsson has been mentioned here.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sand

This thread made me curious about Currens and Freigeweht.

"Continuum" on ECM and "Shadows and Smiles" on Wergo are also superb examples of Rainer Bruninghaus in a featured role.

Freetoojazz · November-1st-2009, 08:45 PM

It's been a long time this album is in my CD player. Each time the music begin, I just stop doing everything and listen each note, feel the movement, the intensity of the music. Dino Salluzi masterpiece album, I just love it!

baksheesh · November-2nd-2009, 09:00 AM

A lot of Jarrett, both solo and Trio, because I just got Testament and I think it's brilliant!

Always let me go, and Inside out - two of the best by the trio.
Carnegie Hall, Radiance, Testament and The Sun Bear Concerts - further proof, if any were needed that Jarrett is one of the greatest Artists of the piano, and an extraordinary creator of melody, rhythm, and MUSIC

Chris D · November-4th-2009, 10:30 AM

I'm listening to Jarrett, too, but the quartets. I can't understand the animosity the Penguin Guide guys showed to "Nude Ants." Wonderful set from the Vanguard.

baksheesh · November-4th-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris D

I'm listening to Jarrett, too, but the quartets. I can't understand the animosity the Penguin Guide guys showed to "Nude Ants." Wonderful set from the Vanguard.

Yes, definitely one of the times the PG guys were way off base. And they were a bit lacklustre about Personal Mountains too, which is an absolutely stellar album! Nude Ants has the wonderful Sunshine Song, and Chant of the Soil.
I really wish there was a bit more stuff out there from the American Quartet - a live date where they were really burning for example. I've heard it said that Garbarek isn't too keen on his own performances on the PM and NA. And of course Keith has his usual spiel (for that period, cos obviously these days he records everything) of - 'the best stuff we played wasn't recorded man'.

BrianL1 · November-4th-2009, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baksheesh

Yes, definitely one of the times the PG guys were way off base. And they were a bit lacklustre about Personal Mountains too, which is an absolutely stellar album! Nude Ants has the wonderful Sunshine Song, and Chant of the Soil.
I really wish there was a bit more stuff out there from the American Quartet - a live date where they were really burning for example.

Do you have the Impulse boxes? There's a 2 disc version of Fort Yawah that has some excellent tracks not on the original LP.

baksheesh · November-6th-2009, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianL1

Do you have the Impulse boxes? There's a 2 disc version of Fort Yawah that has some excellent tracks not on the original LP.

Yep, and it is indeed great stuff, particularly Angles (without edges), and the alternate take of De Drums. However that was the American Quartet, a great, great band, but we got shedloads of stuff by them. A few live ones by the European Quartet would really hit the spot, and I'm sure they're out there in the vaults - Come on Manfred! Give the people what they (really, really) want...

BrianL1 · November-6th-2009, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baksheesh

Yep, and it is indeed great stuff, particularly Angles (without edges), and the alternate take of De Drums. However that was the American Quartet, a great, great band, but we got shedloads of stuff by them. A few live ones by the European Quartet would really hit the spot, and I'm sure they're out there in the vaults - Come on Manfred! Give the people what they (really, really) want...

It would be very cool to see something like Nude Ants expanded to a "Complete Village Vanguard" type set.

baksheesh · November-6th-2009, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianL1

It would be very cool to see something like Nude Ants expanded to a "Complete Village Vanguard" type set.

Absolutely! I didn't realise that it was culled from a few nights' performances. Manfred and Keith, bring it on babies! The world needs to hear this stuff