| The German ECM label’s first records were released in 1970. Within a few years ECM had focused on a predominantly European version of jazz and attracted key players including Jan Garbarek, Keith Jarrett and Terje Rypdal who have made their lifelong home with the label. Recording as well as musical quality was of the highest standard. A fact that was reflected in a design ethos which featured beautiful photography and creative typography. The label’s primary designer of the ’70s was Barbara Wojirsch whose wonderfully playful layouts and combination of fonts and handwritten titles were a real delight. Dieter Rehm succeeded her in the ’80s with a similarly varied approach.
The definitive book on ECM’s designs is Sleeves of Desire. Published in 1996 it contained all of the designs released to that date. It’s a lovely book. I just wish I’d bought a copy at the time. It’s now long out of print and sadly there doesn’t appear to be much likelihood of a reprint. Still, you can always pick up a new copy on Amazon (if you have at least $400…) |
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| Barbara Wojirsch | |||
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| Dieter Rehm | |||
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Further information |
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