Manfred Eicher launched ECM Records in 1969. By the mid-1970s the label had earned acclaim for atmospheric, sparsely arranged sessions that emphasized silence, exceptional sonic clarity, and a restrained jazz minimalism. Certain releases pursued open improvisation, whereas others anchored their explorations in folk melodies. Even so, many dates diverged from the prevailing stereotype—occasionally cited as a catalyst for New Age music—including those led by Old and New Dreams, Jack DeJohnette’s Special Edition, and Pat Metheny. Additional leading artists associated with the label across subsequent decades include Keith Jarrett, Gary Burton, Jan Garbarek, Terje Rypdal, Egberto Gismonti, and Chick Corea. Eicher routinely expanded the imprint’s scope to encompass World Music, European folk material, and fully composed classical works, documenting pieces that matched his own artistic preferences without regard for projected sales figures.
