mono.kultur #26 is dedicated to Manfred Eicher, the mastermind behind the highly prestigious jazz and classic label ECM Records, which is widely regarded as one of the most influential and demanding platforms for contemporary music worldwide. Founded in 1969, ECM have released more than 1,000 albums, many of which were produced by Eicher personally.

Based in Munich, ECM has a long history of reviving and tirelessly promoting the avant-garde of contemporary Jazz, hosting the likes of Keith Jarrett, Jan Garbarek or Pat Metheny. At a time when the primarily American phenomenon of Jazz was on its wane, ECM introduced a decidedly European notion in terms of sound and aesthetic approach, single-handedly reviving a stagnating genre.

In 1984, Eicher expanded into contemporary classical music with his line ECM New Series, releasing seminal works by Arvo Pärt or Steve Reich. Both imprints have changed the face of their respective genres forever, due to the audacious release schedule, the high production standards and the visual appearance of the label. All aspects attest to the personal touch of a relentlessly perfectionist visionary.

In a high-minded and challenging conversation, Manfred Eicher talked with mono.kultur about sound, silence and everything in between.

Graphically, the issue adheres to ECM’s striking visual language, focusing on the bare essentials of minimalist typography and black-and-white imagery, applied with the utmost precision.

Interview by Bernd Kuchenbeiser / Introduction by Kai von Rabenau / Artwork courtesy of ECM Records / Design by Atelier Bernd Kuchenbeiser