Return to Forever
Chick Corea
1972 [ECM]

Despite being credited to Corea, this breezy blend of new-age fusion is well and truly a group effort. Recorded first but released in the United States after the group's Light as a Feather, the record has eclipsed its more famous follow-up in the eyes of many. Corea's faultless keyboards and Stanley Clarke's electric bass are a perfect match.

My Song
Keith Jarrett
1977 [ECM]

Made with Jarrett's European outfit featuring saxophonist Jan Garbarek, this record should please fans of the classic 'ECM sound'. The title track was a hit of sorts, making this set of six Jarrett originals one of his most recognisable works. There is the occasional foray into something a bit obtuse, but all in all this is easygoing stuff.

Tokyo '96
Keith Jarrett
1998 [ECM]

This Japanese royal concert recorded at Tokyo's Orchard Hall in 1996 finds Jarrett's Standards Trio in consistently good form. Released two years later with Jarrett suffering the effects of chronic fatigue, the pianist displays no such lack of energy here. Certainly Jarrett's best live effort since the classic Köln Concert from 1975.

Serenity
Bobo Stenson Trio
2000 [ECM] 2CD

Intensely melodic minimalist jazz from Swedish pianist Bobo Stenson. Perhaps best known internationally for his work with Jan Gabarek and Charles Lloyd, here Stenson proves he is a force in his own right. As the album's title suggest, most of the music here is reflective and somewhat sombre. Perfect for a rainy day chill-out.

Amaryllis
Marilyn Crispell
2001 [ECM]

Pianist Marilyn Crispell shelved her avant-garde tendencies to team up with bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Paul Motian and produce this outstanding example of melodic improvisation. The understanding between the trio is telepathic, with each making significant compositional contributions to the record. Emotionally stirring.

Tribute to Lester
Art Ensemble of Chicago
2003 [ECM]

With the loss of trumpeter Lester Bowie in 1999 AEC decided to carry on as a trio. This tribute not only sees them return to the ECM label after an extended period, but finds the group in understandably snarling form. Saxophonist Roscoe Mitchell's avant garde honk is ever-present, while percussionist Famoudou Don Moye adds the exotica.

Changing Places
Tord Gustavsen Trio
2002 [ECM]

For his first release on ECM, Norwegian pianist Tord Gustavsen rarely strays from the formula sonic-soundscape listening experience commonly associated with the label. It's all very pleasing and while there is little doubt that Gustavsen is one of the most talented pianists in jazz, one wonders what he might unleash when fully unconstrained.

Jumping the Creek
Charles Lloyd
2005 [ECM]

A fabulous record with veteran saxophonist Charles Lloyd pushing the envelope at every turn, while still maintaining the traditional ECM sense of spacious rhythm and tranquil harmony. The quartet's other standout performer is pianist Geri Allen, who sounds as though she is relishing every moment with the eclectic Lloyd.