ECM Records releases entire catalogue on streaming services
Life-changing news. Last night, I stumbled across an article informing me that ECM Records has released its entire catalogue on various streaming services.
ECM Records, founded in 1969 by producer Manfred Eicher, is one of the best record labels in the world for fans of jazz and classical music. ECM releases are known for their superb recording quality, fascinating artwork, and for featuring some of the most innovative music being composed and recorded.
Long absent from streaming services, ECM has always maintained that physical CDs and LPs were the best way to hear their music. In a recent press release revealing this news, they reiterate this position, and point the finger squarely a music piracy for 'forcing' this move to streaming. This opens up the debate about music consumption in a digital age, but for us as consumers, it means that hundreds of outstanding recordings are now much more available.
The main ECM label focusses on jazz, and releases such as Keith Jarrett's The Köln Concert (one of jazz's best-selling albums, ever) typify the output. I adore albums that pair jazz musicians with players and composers from a range of traditions, like the album Sangam by Charles Lloyd, or Movements in Colour, by Andy Sheppard. ECM albums are quite expensive, and as such, having access to recent releases like Django Bates' outstanding The Study of Touch makes me very happy.
ECM New Series is a classical music label, presenting new works and old masterpieces. The works of modern composers like Arvo Pärt, Sofia Gubaidulina and Morton Feldman appear often in the catalogue, as well as older works and lesser-known gems. The Keith Jarrett recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations is personal favourite of mine. ECM released the first recording of Steve Reich's masterpiece Music for 18 Musicians in 1978 - what more can you say?!
Basically guys, loads of amazing music has just become available on Spotify (other streaming services are available), so it is a time to rejoice.
Mr G
ECM Records, founded in 1969 by producer Manfred Eicher, is one of the best record labels in the world for fans of jazz and classical music. ECM releases are known for their superb recording quality, fascinating artwork, and for featuring some of the most innovative music being composed and recorded.
Long absent from streaming services, ECM has always maintained that physical CDs and LPs were the best way to hear their music. In a recent press release revealing this news, they reiterate this position, and point the finger squarely a music piracy for 'forcing' this move to streaming. This opens up the debate about music consumption in a digital age, but for us as consumers, it means that hundreds of outstanding recordings are now much more available.
The main ECM label focusses on jazz, and releases such as Keith Jarrett's The Köln Concert (one of jazz's best-selling albums, ever) typify the output. I adore albums that pair jazz musicians with players and composers from a range of traditions, like the album Sangam by Charles Lloyd, or Movements in Colour, by Andy Sheppard. ECM albums are quite expensive, and as such, having access to recent releases like Django Bates' outstanding The Study of Touch makes me very happy.
ECM New Series is a classical music label, presenting new works and old masterpieces. The works of modern composers like Arvo Pärt, Sofia Gubaidulina and Morton Feldman appear often in the catalogue, as well as older works and lesser-known gems. The Keith Jarrett recording of Bach's Goldberg Variations is personal favourite of mine. ECM released the first recording of Steve Reich's masterpiece Music for 18 Musicians in 1978 - what more can you say?!
Basically guys, loads of amazing music has just become available on Spotify (other streaming services are available), so it is a time to rejoice.
Mr G
