Art Lande, Jan Garbarek – Red Lanta VG+/VG+

Released in 1974, Red Lanta is a jazz album featuring American pianist Art Lande and Norwegian saxophonist Jan Garbarek. The title itself is a playful twist, being an anagram of Lande’s name. This duo recording, Lande’s debut on the ECM label, captures the essence of what would become known as the “ECM sound.” The music is a thoughtfully crafted soundscape, with Lande’s piano compositions providing the foundation for Garbarek’s soulful saxophone improvisations. While some have described the music as possessing a stark Scandinavian quality, Lande and Garbarek manage to weave a touch of sentimentality into the mix, creating a work that is both introspective and engaging. Red Lanta is a prime example of artistic collaboration, where the interplay between two masterful musicians elevates the music to a whole new level.