Keith Jarrett — My Song (24‑bit/192kHz FLAC edition) — Review
Overview My Song is one of Keith Jarrett’s most lyrical trio records, originally issued on ECM in 1978 with Jan Garbarek (tenor/soprano sax), Palle Danielsson (double bass) and Jon Christensen (drums). This high‑resolution 24/192 FLAC release (2015 remaster/reissue) brings new clarity and presence to an already intimate, pastoral set of Jarrett originals.
Music and Performance
Sound and High‑Resolution Transfer
Standout Tracks
Who This Is For
Verdict My Song remains a quietly beautiful, deeply musical album in Keith Jarrett’s discography. The 24‑bit/192kHz FLAC edition is a tasteful, faithful transfer that enhances tonal clarity and spatial detail without compromising the record’s original warmth and intimacy. Recommended for those who prize melody, atmosphere and the subtleties of trio interplay — and for audiophiles who want a higher‑resolution window into Jarrett’s contemplative side.
The 2015 high-resolution remaster of Keith Jarrett’s (FLAC 24-bit/192kHz) is widely regarded by audiophiles as a definitive digital version of this 1978 jazz masterpiece. This release preserves the legendary "ECM sound" originally captured at Talent Studio in Oslo by engineer Jan Erik Kongshaug, known for his "crystalline" and "airy" recording style. musicophilesblog.com Performance and Composition The album features Jarrett’s "European Quartet"
—a powerhouse ensemble consisting of Jan Garbarek (saxophones), Palle Danielsson (bass), and Jon Christensen (drums). The Listeners' Club The Title Track "My Song"
: A hauntingly simple, folk-inflected melody that has become a jazz standard. Critics highlight Garbarek’s "soulful, restrained" performance as emotionally wrenching and transcendent. Musical Range
: While tracks like "Country" lean into a joyous, gospel-inspired lyricism, the album also veers into "frenetic" hard bop and free jazz territory with "Mandala," which features Jarrett plucking the piano strings directly.
: The quartet is praised for a "holistic transcendence," where individual egos are set aside for the benefit of the composition, particularly on the 10-minute closing epic, "The Journey Home". Between Sound and Space: ECM Records and Beyond 2015 Remaster Quality (24-bit/192kHz)
: Reviewers note that the 2015 hi-res remaster is of "astounding quality," making the nearly 50-year-old recording sound modern and fresh. Soundstage
: The hi-res format allows listeners to "hear into" the recording, providing a sense of being in the studio with the band. Comparison
: While some purists still prefer the original vinyl for its "tubey magical midrange," the 24/192 FLAC is considered the best digital option for those wanting to avoid the "lifeless" quality often found in standard CD reissues. musicophilesblog.com Keith Jarrett - My Song - CD | JazzMessengers
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.
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.
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 Keith Jarrett - My Song -2015- -FLAC 24-192-
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.
Resurrecting a Masterpiece: Keith Jarrett's My Song in High-Res FLAC Keith Jarrett — My Song (24‑bit/192kHz FLAC edition)
In 1978, Keith Jarrett and his "European Quartet" released My Song, an album that would become a cornerstone of contemporary jazz. Decades later, the 2015 remaster in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz offers listeners a chance to experience this legendary session with unprecedented clarity and depth. The Sound of High Fidelity
The 2015 high-resolution release is not just a digital update; it's a sonic preservation of the original session recorded at Talent Studios in Oslo. Engineered by the late Jan Erik Kongshaug, known for his "recording magic," the 24-bit/192kHz files capture the nuanced interplay of the quartet in startling detail.
The Piano: Jarrett’s piano, often described as having a "liquid" quality, benefits from the higher sampling rate, revealing the delicate decay of notes and the physical impact of the hammers.
The Quartet: The interplay between Jan Garbarek (saxophones), Palle Danielsson (bass), and Jon Christensen (drums) is more transparent than ever, allowing the listener to "see" the performers in a three-dimensional soundstage. An Essential Journey
My Song is celebrated for its blend of introspection and rhythmic vitality. The album features six original compositions by Jarrett, ranging from the hauntingly beautiful title track to the more experimental "Mandala".
"My Song": A lyrical masterpiece that has become a jazz standard, often returning in Jarrett's solo concerts.
"Country": A track where the quartet finds a "winning gospel mode," showcasing their effortless synergy.
"The Journey Home": An epic 10-minute closer that cycles through moods, from melancholy to spirited folk-like melodies. A State of Grace
Critics and fans alike consider My Song the peak of the Jarrett-Garbarek collaborations. It achieves a "state of grace" that transcends genre, making it a must-have for both seasoned audiophiles and those new to Jarrett’s expansive body of work.
Keith Jarrett's My Song – I Really Shouldn't Be Liking This Album
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.
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.
Artist: Keith Jarrett (piano, soprano saxophone? No – here piano)
With: Jan Garbarek (soprano and tenor saxophones), Palle Danielsson (double bass), Jon Christensen (drums)
Original Release: 1978 (ECM Records)
This Release: 2015, digital download/streaming in FLAC 24-bit/192kHz
A word of warning: Do not play this FLAC on your phone’s built-in speakers or standard Bluetooth earbuds. You will hear no difference from a 320kbps MP3.
To unlock the "Keith Jarrett - My Song -2015- -FLAC 24-192-" experience, you need:
Playing this file through a cheap DAC that downsamples to 48 kHz defeats the purpose.
My Song is often described as folk-tinged, airy, and deeply melodic—yet unmistakably inside the free-flowing yet structured world of Jarrett’s post-Köln Concert period. The title track has become one of Jarrett’s most beloved compositions, a simple, aching theme that unfolds like a landscape. Tracks like “Belonging,” “The Journey Home,” and “Mandala” showcase the quartet’s telepathic interaction: Garbarek’s soaring, breathy tone sailing over Jarrett’s dancing, harmonically rich voicings, while Christensen and Danielsson weave a supple, breathing rhythm.
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. Sound and High‑Resolution Transfer
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.