Record Reviews

RALPH TOWNER ~ SOLSTICE ECM 1060 (Barcode: 602517758575) ~ USA ~ Jazz-World Fusion Recorded: 1974 Released: 2008 This is a reissue of the 3rd solo album by American guitarist / pianist / composer Ralph TownerFind albums by this artist, recorded in a quartet setting with European musicians: Norwegian saxophonist Jan GarbarekFind albums by this artist, German bassist Eberhard WeberFind albums by this artist and Norwegian drummer Jon ChristensenFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight tracks, seven composed by Towner and one by Weber. The music was recorded at the legendary Arne BendiksenFind albums by this artist Studio in Oslo, often called the birthplace of ECMFind albums on this label, with Jan Erik KongshaugFind albums by this artist presiding behind the console. Kongshaug was the manager and chief sound engineer of the studio between 1967 and 1974, and he is the creator of the iconic “ECM sound” of the early ECM releases. The music is absolutely magnificent, a sophisticated mixture of influences from different World Music traditions, Scandinavian melancholy and Jazz improvisation, exquisitely performed by these Master musicians. In parallel to his solo recordings, Towner was of course a member of the legendary OregonFind albums by this artist quartet, which created music somewhat similar to what can be heard here, but the European / Nordic influences are much stronger on this album, taking the music into another “orbit”. Recorded in December of 1974 (50 years ago!), this music is light-years ahead of its time, and reflects the enormous influence that the early ECM albums had both on European and much later also on American Jazz. The incredible freedom the musicians were allowed to pursue, unrestricted by any commercial considerations, created an atmosphere of unlimited creativity, experimentation and milestone development of contemporary music, which lasted for a couple of decades, making a lasting impact, and which ripples can be felt even today. Towner’s extensive recorded legacy, which spans well over fifty albums as leader and sideman, is a treasure trove of brilliant music and his integrity and immense talent never failed him over the years. I feel privileged for having the opportunity to meet him in person and even having him as a guest in my home. Overall, this is an absolutely everlasting gem of an album, which stands as a beacon of the early ECM recordings, full of brilliant and touching music, counting every second of its duration. It should be a part of every decent album collection, reaching far beyond any genre classification – it is simply Godly music.

Updated: 17/01/2025Posted: 17/01/2025

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