Manfred Eicher, the founder of the record label ECM, is deeply involved in choosing the art on his company’s releases.
Eberhard Weber - The Colours of Chloe (1974)
Give this one the time it deserves and you will be rewarded by the cerebral and haunting sound movements from German bassist Eberhard Weber. The music sticks in your craw.
After being introduced to this record in high school, it became go-to “study music” on the headphones.
Pat Metheny Group - April Joy (1978)
April Joy indeed. This is a favorite track from Pat Metheny Group’s first record. It holds up well….really f*cking well in fact.
Ralph Towner and Gary Burton - Icarus (1974)
I have a soft spot for this LP because it was recorded the day I was born, but it also provides an early composite sketch of the ECM recording ethos: challenging compositions, evocative soundscapes, spare instrumentation, and virtuoso musicianship. Towner’s Icarus receives special treatment here by both players, and their contributions help this rendition…wait for the pun…soar to skyscraping heights.
Listen to more from this date.
Ralph Towner & Gary Burton - Aurora (1974)
My father was always putting this on the record player when I was a kid. I’m a big fan of ECM’s duet recordings because they allow plenty of space for intimate give-and-take between cerebral musicians.
This cut is a Towner composition, containing an almost dissonant two-chord vamp that resolves itself into a triumphant chorus.
