In the pantheon of modern jazz, few albums evoke the serene, rolling beauty of European impressionism quite like Keith Jarrett’s "My Song." Recorded in 1977 and released in 1978, the album represents the pinnacle of Jarrett’s ‘European Quartet’—featuring Jan Garbarek (soprano and tenor saxophones), Palle Danielsson (bass), and Jon Christensen (drums). For decades, fans have cherished its lyrical warmth and telepathic group improvisation. But in 2015, ECM Records and Jarrett’s estate undertook a meticulous reissue campaign that changed how we hear this classic. This article explores the treasure that is the Keith Jarrett – "My Song" (2015) – FLAC 24-192 release: why it matters, what it sounds like, and why you need it in your digital library.
In 2015, ECM began a ground-up remastering program for their back catalog, moving from 16-bit/44.1kHz CD standards to high-resolution PCM. The 2015 FLAC 24-192 version of My Song is the result of re-transferring the original analog master tapes (likely 30 ips, 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch) through a state-of-the-art analog-to-digital converter. Keith Jarrett - My Song -2015- -FLAC 24-192-
Why 24-bit/192kHz? While the audible range for humans caps at roughly 20kHz, the 192kHz sampling rate captures ultrasonic frequencies and, more importantly, allows for flawless impulse response and phase coherency in the audible band. For My Song, this is critical. The 24-bit depth provides a theoretical dynamic range of 144 dB—far exceeding the original tape’s 70-75 dB. This means the noise floor is pushed so low that the room’s actual ambient silence becomes audible. In the pantheon of modern jazz, few albums
In 2015, ECM—a label notoriously skeptical of gimmicky remasters—authorized a new high-resolution transfer from the original analog master tapes. This wasn’t a simple "loudness war" remaster. Instead, it was an archival-grade restoration, released simultaneously as a 180-gram vinyl and, crucially, as studio-quality digital files. This article explores the treasure that is the
The FLAC 24-192 edition (24-bit depth, 192 kHz sampling rate) is the digital crown jewel. Here is what that technical specification means for "My Song":
Before diving into the technical specs, let’s revisit the music. "My Song" is often described as the sister album to Belonging (1974). Where Belonging introduced the world to Jarrett’s folk-inflected, post-bop writing for a non-American rhythm section, My Song perfects it.
The title track, "My Song," is arguably one of Jarrett’s most famous melodies—a simple, 12-bar folk song structure that feels like a lullaby for the soul. Tracks like "Tabarka" (named for a Tunisian town) and "The Journey Home" showcase Garbarek’s ethereal, long-toned saxophone floating over Christensen’s shimmering cymbals and Danielsson’s walking, woody bass. Historically, this album has suffered from a common problem: the original vinyl and early CD pressings, while beautiful, masked some of the low-level detail and instrumental separation.