Christensen’s drumming is famously spare and textural. On “Tabarka,” he uses mallets and brushes. In high resolution, cymbal decays last three to four times longer before disappearing into the room tone. The shimmer is not splashy; it is delicate, almost frozen. The 192kHz sample rate captures the non-linear harmonic distortion of the bronze alloy—something that aliases down into harshness at lower rates.
The specific format you mentioned (FLAC 24-192) refers to a High-Resolution Audio (Hi-Res) file.
Title: Immersive Depth: Revisiting Keith Jarrett’s ‘My Song’ in 24-bit/192kHz FLAC
Posted by: The Audiophile’s Corner Date: October 11, 2023
There are certain albums that exist outside the constraints of genre. They aren't just "jazz records" or "classical experiments"; they are weather systems. Keith Jarrett’s My Song, recorded in November 1977, is one of those systems—a soft, persistent drizzle of melodic genius that soaks into the earth of your consciousness.
But today, we aren't just listening to My Song. We are listening to the 2015 high-resolution remaster (FLAC 24-bit/192kHz). And let me tell you: it is like wiping a layer of dust off a stained-glass window.
The Music: The European Quartet at its Peak
For those unfamiliar, My Song is the definitive album by Jarrett’s ‘European Quartet.’ Unlike the jarring, free-energy of his American band, this group—Jan Garbarek (soprano and tenor sax), Palle Danielsson (bass), and Jon Christensen (drums)—dealt in air and texture.
The title track is a standard for a reason. That simple, loping, folk-like melody is pure Jarrett: deceptively simple, impossibly singable. Garbarek’s entry, with that icy, ethereal soprano tone, doesn’t just accompany Jarrett; it floats above him, like a hawk riding a thermal.
Tracks like “The Journey Home” and “Mandala” showcase the alchemy of this band. Christensen’s drums don’t keep time; they breathe time. Danielsson’s bass is a wooden ship rocking on a gentle sea. This is ECM Records at its most iconic—spacious, reverent, and achingly beautiful.
The Technical Upgrade: Why 24/192 Matters (and doesn’t)
Let’s address the elephant in the listening room. My Song was recorded in 1977 at Talent Studio in Oslo. It is not a bombastic, dynamic-range-crushing recording. It is quiet. Intimate.
So, does a 2015 24-bit/192kHz FLAC file matter?
The Good:
The Caveat: Do you need a $5,000 DAC to enjoy this? No. The 2015 remastering job is excellent, but the performance is what matters. If you listen on AirPods, you won't hear the difference. But if you have a dedicated headphone amp or a decent stereo setup, the 24/192 version offers a "you are there" presence that the CD layer simply cannot replicate.
Listening Notes
Play this loud enough to feel the bass resonance, but quiet enough to hear the pedal noise.
Final Verdict
If you own the CD, you own the soul of the music. But if you are a fan of Keith Jarrett, Manfred Eicher’s production, or simply want to hear what analog tape sounds like when converted to digital with care and precision—seek out the 2015 FLAC 24/192 release.
It turns a great album into a religious experience. It is proof that even 45 years later, we are still discovering new layers inside the grooves of the masters.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Essential Audiophile Purchase)
Get it here: [Link to Qobuz, HDTracks, or Presto Music]
Have you listened to the hi-res version of My Song? Do you prefer the European Quartet over the ‘Standards’ Trio? Let me know in the comments below.
System used for testing: Auralic Vega G2 DAC -> Pass Labs INT-60 -> Magnepan .7 speakers.
The 2015 high-resolution reissue of Keith Jarrett’s (originally released in 1978) represents a definitive audiophile version of one of ECM’s most beloved recordings. Presented in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz
, this remaster captures the nuanced textures of Jarrett's "European Quartet" with a level of clarity that belies the recording's nearly 50-year age. musicophilesblog.com Album Overview
Keith Jarrett (with Jan Garbarek, Palle Danielsson, and Jon Christensen). Original Recording: November 1977 at Talent Studios, Oslo. Keith Jarrett - My Song -2015- -FLAC 24-192-
Jan Erik Kongshaug, a legendary figure known for defining the "ECM Sound". Musical Style:
Melodic, lyrical, and introspective jazz that bridges Jarrett’s solo piano work with a quartet setting. Audio Fidelity: The 24/192 Experience The 2015 high-res remaster is noted for its astounding quality
, providing a vast soundstage that allows listeners to "see" the performers in the studio. musicophilesblog.com
Keith Jarrett - My Song (2015) - A Masterful Reinterpretation
Introduction
In 2015, the jazz world was treated to a remarkable album from the incomparable Keith Jarrett. "My Song" is a reimagining of a 1977 composition of the same name, which was originally recorded with Jarrett's American Quartet. This new interpretation, released on ECM Records, features Jarrett on piano and bass, accompanied by Charlie Haden on bass, and Jack DeJohnette on drums. The album was recorded in the summer of 2015 at the iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, and it's a testament to Jarrett's innovative spirit and enduring creativity.
The Music
"My Song" is a sprawling, 71-minute composition that defies traditional jazz structures. The piece is built around a haunting melody, which Jarrett plays with a sense of introspective longing. As the music unfolds, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary jazz album. Jarrett's playing is characterized by a meditative quality, as if he's channeling the music directly from his inner world.
The supporting cast of Haden and DeJohnette is perfectly suited to Jarrett's vision. Haden's bass lines provide a subtle yet essential foundation, while DeJohnette's drums add a nuanced texture to the music. The interplay between the three musicians is telepathic, with each player responding and reacting to the others in a beautiful display of musical empathy.
Technical Details
This FLAC 24-192 release of "My Song" is a technical marvel. The album has been meticulously mastered from the original recordings, offering a level of sonic detail that's simply breathtaking. The 24-bit/192kHz resolution ensures that every nuance of the performance is captured, from the softest whispers of Jarrett's piano to the subtle crackle of the drums.
Conclusion
"My Song" is a masterpiece of contemporary jazz, a testament to Keith Jarrett's boundless creativity and innovative spirit. This 2015 recording is a must-listen for fans of the pianist, as well as anyone interested in exploring the deeper reaches of jazz. With its stunning sound quality and mesmerizing music, "My Song" is an album that will leave you spellbound and inspired. Christensen’s drumming is famously spare and textural
Tracklist
Specifications
Download
For those interested in downloading the album, please ensure that you obtain it from a reputable source that supports the artists and the music industry. ECM Records offers high-quality downloads of their catalog, including "My Song".
Recommendation
If you enjoy the music of Keith Jarrett, you may also want to explore the following albums:
These albums showcase Jarrett's incredible range and versatility as a pianist and composer, and are sure to provide hours of listening pleasure.
The Keith Jarrett - My Song (1978/2015 Remaster) is a high-resolution digital reissue of one of the most celebrated albums in modern jazz history. Originally recorded in November 1977 at Talent Studio in Oslo, this album features Jarrett’s iconic "European Quartet". Album Overview Personnel: Keith Jarrett: Piano, Percussion Jan Garbarek: Tenor and Soprano Saxophones Palle Danielsson: Double-Bass Jon Christensen: Drums
Musical Style: The album is noted for its relaxed, introspective atmosphere and melodic accessibility, bridging the gap between Jarrett's complex improvisations and more traditional jazz forms. It is widely considered the most rewarding collaboration between Jarrett and Garbarek. The 2015 High-Resolution Remaster
The 2015 release in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz (also available in 24-bit/96kHz) is frequently praised by audiophiles for its "astounding quality".
Keith Jarrett's My Song – I Really Shouldn't Be Liking This Album
Keith Jarrett is a renowned American jazz pianist and composer, celebrated for his introspective and emotionally charged performances. "My Song" is a notable piece in his discography, often associated with his work as a solo artist.
In 2015, a release of "My Song" in FLAC (Free Lossless Audio Codec) format with a resolution of 24-bit/192kHz became available, offering audiophiles and jazz enthusiasts a high-quality listening experience. This format ensures that the audio is delivered with great detail and clarity, allowing listeners to appreciate the nuances of Jarrett's piano playing. The Caveat: Do you need a $5,000 DAC to enjoy this
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