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.
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.
ECM recordings are legendary for their pristine, atmospheric soundscapes. Manfred Eicher’s production emphasizes space, detail, and natural decay. At 24-bit/192kHz: Keith Jarrett is a renowned American jazz pianist
On a capable DAC and speaker/headphone system, the 24/192 FLAC reveals the studio space, the instrument interactions, and micro-dynamics lost in CD (16/44.1) or compressed formats.
To appreciate why this specific format matters, let’s walk through the album using a proper DAC and headphones (or high-end monitors). Extended high-frequency response (up to 96 kHz theoretical)
Track 1: "My Song" The melody is almost too familiar, but listen to Jarrett’s left hand. The 24-192 transfer reveals the felt of the hammers on the lower register. Garbarek enters not from the center, but slightly left-rear in the soundstage—a phantom image that collapses into perfect clarity. The bass pizzicato notes have a bloom that decays naturally into the studio ambiance (Talent Studio, Oslo).
Track 3: "Tabarka" This is the test track for high-frequency extension. The triangle and cymbal work on the head arrangement can sound like static on MP3 or CD. In 24-192, each strike has a metallic ping, followed by a shimmering tail that lasts 4-5 seconds. You can hear Christensen using different parts of the stick on the ride cymbal.
Track 5: "The Journey Home" The quartet achieves a rare ecstatic groove here. The benefit of 192 kHz is evident in the stereo imaging. As Jarrett rises up the keyboard, his right hand seems to move past the left speaker boundary. The bass walk is so articulate you can almost see Danielsson’s fingers moving.
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