Reissues Round-up,
An ECM Luminessence Showdown
Having delighted listeners since launching with Kenny Wheeler's Gnu High (1975) and Nana Vasconcelos' Saudades (1980) last year, the ECM Luminessence vinyl reissue series has recently announced several new releases for 2024.
Continuing to highlight classic and significant recordings from the label's extensive back catalogue, the series — named after the Keith Jarrett-composed album of the same title — aims to shed light on ECM's history with elegant, high-quality editions, offering both historical context and fresh perspectives on these deeply immersive listening experiences. Characterised by superior audiophile vinyl production, these releases are often sourced from their analogue master tapes, and will be presented for the first time with new liner notes and original artwork.
Here are some of the latest highlights we recommend:
A masterpiece of lyrical improvisation and undisturbed beauty, this double album brings together an extraordinary quartet of musicians: Wheeler on flugelhorn and trumpet, Lee Konitz on alto saxophone, Dave Holland on bass and Bill Frisell on guitar. The recording stands out for its tranquil, chamber-like atmosphere and an absence of drums, allowing for intricate reciprocity between each artist. Reissued on vinyl for the first time, each track is a testament to Wheeler's compositional skill, with poignant melodic themes providing a lush canvas for his fellow players to explore.
Available Format: 2 Vinyl Records
Azimuth's self-titled debut is a hallmark of the ECM aesthetic, portraying ethereal soundscapes with a signature minimalist approach. Marking the beginning of a profound collaboration between Wheeler, British vocalist Norma Winstone and her then-husband, pianist John Taylor, the music is a delicate mixture of jazz, classical and ambient styles that create an introspective and contemplative mood. Winstone's haunting vocals, often wordless and purely instrumental, float over Taylor's lavish piano chords and Wheeler's wistful horn lines, resulting in an environment that is both intimate and expansive.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
A pivotal moment in the Norwegian saxophonist's early career, revealing his distinctive creative voice. Accompanied by an ensemble featuring Terje Rypdal on guitar, Arild Andersen on bass and Jon Christensen on drums, the musicians infuse their blend of Scandinavian jazz with African and avant-garde influences. The compositions are richly textured and rhythmically diverse, reflecting the burgeoning label's adventurous spirit. Marked by its piercing clarity and emotive power, ECM's seventh-ever release was not just an album but a bold statement that laid the foundation for Garbarek's future legacy of pushing musical limitations.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
This expressive work is a iconoclastic piece within Jarrett's extensive discography, bringing together ECM's two most popular artists just one week after recording the seminal Belonging in 1974. Released the following year, this album features the pianist's compositions for string orchestra, realised by the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra, with Garbarek on soprano and tenor saxophones. The lucid interplay between his daring saxophone lines and the sensitive, carefully arranged strings creates an acoustic panorama that is both meditative and stirring. Transcending conventional genre boundaries, the recording combines strands of classical music and jazz with free improvisation.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Recorded in 1973, this triple album captures Jarrett at the height of his improvisational prowess. Consisting of two solo performances in Europe, it showcases his extraordinary ability to create spontaneous compositions of remarkable depth and beauty. Each concert is its own journey through a vast landscape of musical ideas, whilst the pianist's technical brilliance and emotional intensity are on full display. A touchstone of solo piano artistry, this album is a quintessential example of ECM's commitment to capturing unique musical moments that have inspired countless musicians and listeners alike.
Available Format: 3 Vinyl Records
A vibrant homage to the innovative spirit of Ornette Coleman, this project starred trumpeter Don Cherry, saxophonist Dewey Redman, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Ed Blackwell. All former members of Coleman's groups, their 1979 recording unites the liberated energy of free jazz with the structural elements of bebop, and includes powerful renditions of Ornette favourites like 'Lonely Woman' and 'Open or Close', alongside original compositions inspired by global musical traditions. The chemistry and improvisational synergy amongst the musicians are palpable, making this album a standout in the ECM catalogue and a crucial document of post-bop and avant-garde jazz.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Originally released in 1979, the music on this mesmeric fusion of global influences oscillates between reflective passages and insistent grooves, culminating in a varied and enthralling sonic adventure. Tracks like 'O Berimbau' and 'Vozes (Saudades)' highlight Vasconcelos's ingenious use of vocal layering and percussion to evoke a wide range of emotions and impressions. With its contributions from guitarist and arranger Egberto Gismonti, this album epitomises the label's dedication and ability to present world music in an exquisitely produced and evocative manner.
Available Format: Vinyl Record
Barney Whittaker
