Slashdot Mirror

No, I mean the legendary European jazz label ECM.

Depends on who you buy your CDs from. Turns out that about 70% of the CDs I've bought in the last few years have come from the ECM label. I have not heard one recording of theirs that is of any quality less than stupendous.

Is there an optimum level of resources to dedicate to creating music? How do you tell what it is?

I'm not sure that there is - or rather, if there is, then that optimum is "a shitload". A lot of my music, legitimately purchased over the last few years is recorded on the ECM label, and these recordings are so stupendously well produced and recorded that MP3 recordings just don't do them justice in any cases other than the comparatively high-ambient-noise situations in which the iPod thrives.

To be clear, I'm not knocking MP3s; I use my iPod a lot, but when I'm at home in my own living-room the compressed format just doesn't cut it. And, for that matter, neither does the so-called Apple Lossless format, as delivered by their devices.

But I digress: what I meant to say was that the readily-downloaded media are something of a trap. I think we are going to be left with a whole generation that has no idea what their music is actually supposed to sound like.

In the "modern" category, I'm afraid Dave Holland carries the torch.

His work with his quintet is really amazing- some of the finest ensemble playing anytime, by any standard. The style his group has developed is really wonderful; heavy on improvisation and eastern influences. Billy Kilson takes the drums from a "groove" role to the front of the ensemble - taking on almost melodic roles. Generally, there are multiple solos going on at any time. Even the written music sounds improvised.

This is some of the most wonderful, euphoric recording... really great. My favorite recordings of anything, ever.

Here are some to check out:
Prime Directive
Points of View
Not for Nothin'

Enjoy!

In the "modern" category, I'm afraid Dave Holland carries the torch.

His work with his quintet is really amazing- some of the finest ensemble playing anytime, by any standard. The style his group has developed is really wonderful; heavy on improvisation and eastern influences. Billy Kilson takes the drums from a "groove" role to the front of the ensemble - taking on almost melodic roles. Generally, there are multiple solos going on at any time. Even the written music sounds improvised.

This is some of the most wonderful, euphoric recording... really great. My favorite recordings of anything, ever.

Here are some to check out:
Prime Directive
Points of View
Not for Nothin'

Enjoy!

In the "modern" category, I'm afraid Dave Holland carries the torch.

His work with his quintet is really amazing- some of the finest ensemble playing anytime, by any standard. The style his group has developed is really wonderful; heavy on improvisation and eastern influences. Billy Kilson takes the drums from a "groove" role to the front of the ensemble - taking on almost melodic roles. Generally, there are multiple solos going on at any time. Even the written music sounds improvised.

This is some of the most wonderful, euphoric recording... really great. My favorite recordings of anything, ever.

Here are some to check out:
Prime Directive
Points of View
Not for Nothin'

Enjoy!

Well, you've been moderated "funny", although you could be serious. Some of John Zorn's works are definately easy listening-ish (The Gift). Just don't expect Painkiller or Naked City to be. You should listen to John Zorn anyway. Ah, and some essential recordings for you.

If you like modern, beats and electronic oriented jazz, you should check out Nils Petter Molvaer.