ECM Records: What Makes Them So Special?

by Marshall Bowden

ECM Records always represented, to me, the apex of creative instrumental music. Along with Impulse! Records, home of John Coltrane, and Arista’s Freedom Series, ECM represented to me the fact that music could be made that went beyond any category you could throw at it. I would read about a new ECM release in downbeat, maybe Henry Threadgill, and it would sound like music that I had to hear right away… Read More

ECM CLASSICS

ECM Review Archive

Most of the reviews here were written at the time of the album’s release. Many were published by All About Jazz, JazzIz, Popmatters, and my old website, Jazzitude. Additional reviews, including newly released recordings, will be added on an ongoing basis.

Anna Gourari plays J.S. Bach – Adagio, BWV 974 and Alfred Schnittke – Five Aphorisms
Marcin Wasilewski Trio – Austin

Featured Playlist: The First Decade ECM got off to a solid start with a series of recordings that was as exhilarating as it was eclectic. From Keith Jarrett and Jack DeJohnette’s Ruta & Daytai to Dave Holland’s Conference of the Birds, Chick Corea’s improvisations with Gary Burton, Paul Bley’s distinctive piano style and more, the first decade of ECM documents an amazing period of recorded music.

Featured Artist Page: Keith Jarrett

ECM News

Two new ECM records will be released on January 29th:

Shai Maestro/Human

Joe Lovano’s Trio Tapestry/Garden of Expressions