Presto Playlist,
Solo Piano Music on ECM
Pianists come and go, but several of the greats have enlisted their skills to the glorious and prolific ECM, the record label that introduced the modernist techniques of silence and space as key components to their contemporary recordings. Join us as we explore just some of the highlights from the label's extensive back catalogue that feature some of the most iconic players of the last sixty years.
The first artist to record an album of entirely solo piano music under Manfred Eicher's production thereby establishing a firm foundation of repertoire from the genre under the ECM banner. The master of the keyboard’s solo works were collated here in 2010 and include his original double-volume of Improvisations (1971/72) and Children’s Songs (1984), three delightful albums that reveal much of their performer’s sprightly character.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
Far removed from the clattering experimentalism that characterised his work from the previous decade, this album reminded listeners of Bley’s charming panache and engrossing style as he delivers a heartfelt series of compelling renditions of his own compositions as well as a handful from his former partners, Carla Bley and Annette Peacock.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
Having previously recorded a pair of trio albums for the label, Beirach’s next step involved laying down a solo record with an emotional scope as wide as its harmonic vocabulary. At moments busy, others, sparse yet always deep and contemplative.
Available Formats: MP3, FLAC
You won’t be surprised to see Jarrett mentioned on this list - after all, he is ECM’s most notable jazz artist and his iconic The Köln Concert remains the best-selling piano album of all time still to this day - however, we’ve decided to go with something a little later from the esteemed piano player's career. Equally ebullient, but lacking the logistical restrictions that plagued its more famous live cousin, here Jarrett is free to bare his soul beyond the limits of physical and emotional expression.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
A slight curveball here, but we reckon Cage’s music fits in alongside our jazz selections for its reformist outlook and unique audible rewards it displays in spite of the sophisticated challenges it poses to performers. Henck’s programme is one of many conflicting contrasts and moods, carefully depicting the composer's work from his time during an apprenticeship under the atonal behemoth, Arnold Schoenberg.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
This remarkable musician, who currently sits in with Joe Lovano’s Trio Tapestry as an extinguishing force, represented the pinnacle of cutting-edge pianism at the time of this recording. Such is the variety of the personalities this most architectural of musicians has to offer, which all combine to fashion a richly impressive creative voice.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC
For an album consisting of almost completely improvised material, Taborn manages to pull off a daring feat of technical skill and ability. Recorded off the back of an extremely busy period in the performer's career, his committed approach uncovers the intricacies of his instrument in an individualistic and unprecedented manner.
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
For his final recital in his homeland, the Japanese arranger and composer reflects on a long life of artistic merit. Having crafted a musical world all of his own, this performance is embedded with rich expression and makes for an ultimately indefinable experience!
Available Formats: CD, MP3, FLAC, Hi-Res FLAC
Barney Whittaker
