ECM Records writes on Facebook: Jon Christensen, one of the great drummers of modern jazz and improvisation beyond jazz, has died aged 76.As a young self-taught player, Jon honed his craft working at Oslo’s clubs with a long list of visiting American stars, beginning with Bud Powell and including Don Ellis, Ben Webster, Stan Getz, Kenny Dorham and Dexter Gordon. Dexter famously encouraged Jon to … Continue reading Jon Christensen (1943-2020)

ECM Records Press Release Lyle Mays, the American pianist and composer best known for his work with Pat Metheny, has died, aged 66.After an early engagement in Woody Herman’s group the Wisconsin born musician met guitarist Metheny in 1974, with whom he later founded the Pat Metheny Group, for which he was effectively orchestrator and arranger as well as creative soloist, helping to define the … Continue reading Lyle Mays (1953 – 2020)

In a time marked by unpredictability and absurd realities, music imbued with spontaneity and improvisation seems especially relevant. Internationally recognized trumpet player and composer-producer-entrepreneur Dan Rosenboom embraces the chaos and seeks to endow us with hope and joy along the way. ABSURD IN THE ANTHROPOCENE – out January 31, 2020 via Gearbox Records – is in line with his abstract musicianship and virtuous experimentalism but, … Continue reading Dan Rosenboom – Absurd in the Anthropocene

ECM Records on Facebook: Jan Erik Kongshaug, recording engineer on many productions made in Oslo at the Bendiksen, Talent, and Rainbow Studios has died, aged 75. “Our first studio session together, and the beginning of a close collaboration lasting nearly fifty years, was ‘Afric Pepperbird’ in September, 1970, with Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Arild Andersen and Jon Christensen. We were all rather innocent beginners, then,” … Continue reading Jan Erik Kongshaug (1944-2019)