ECM

I went on an ECM binge this weekend. The book “Horizons Touched – The Music of ECM” arrived (eds Steve Lake & Paul Griffiths, Granta Books, 2007). ECM and Manfred Eicher have issued more than 1000 records with jazz, classical, European chamber music, whatever you want to call it. This magnificent coffee table book, is tempting in it’s descriptions ( I have allready been in the cellar to fetch old records). I suggest every music library get this book, even if it is not exactly filled up with critical analysis. There are some essays, a few long interviews, and short intros to a lot of musicians. It’s fun to read about the hunting for the “Nordic sound”. I think a lot of journalists can hear the sound of glaciers as soon as they see albums with Norwegian artists on ECM. The company is well known for its album covers, and Lars Mûller Publishers published the book ”Sleeves of desire” in 1996.

Some Norwegian artists on ECM: : Arild Andersen, Jan Garbarek, Jon Christensen, Terje Rypdal, Frode Haltli, Jon Balke, Nils Petter Molvaer, Trygve Seim, Tord Gustavsen, Christian Wallumroed and Trio Mediaeval.
Just a few of the others: Enrico Rava, Keith Jarret, Dave Holland, Eberhard Weber, Kenny Wheeler, John Surman, Bill Frisell, Pat Metheny, Ralph Towner, Anette Peacock, Paul Bley, John Abercrombie, Michael Mantler, Don Cherry and Charlie Haden. And, yes, Robert Wyatt is on several Michael Mantler records.

Dream album: A duo album with John Surman and Robert Wyatt. Thank’s a lot!