The Gary Burton Quintet with Eberhard Weber - Ring (1974)

Dynamic ECM excellence. The glimmering sound of Burton's vibraharp is usually front and center, with expertly subtle backing from Pat Metheny, Mick Goodrick, Eberhard Weber, and others.

Track listing:
1. Mevlevia
2. Unfinished Sympathy
3. Tunnel of Love
4. Intrude
5. Silent Spring
6. The Colours of Chloe

Visible thoughts

For more from Burton and Weber, check out:

Eberhard Weber - Fluid Rustle (1979)

Ralph Towner - Solstice (1974)

More ECM excellence, this time from a four-piece group of ECM heavyweights -- saxophonist Jan Garbarek, keyboardist Eberhard Weber, drummer Jon Christensen, and guitarist/bandleader Ralph Towner. While much of Towner's work is placid and sparse, with Solstice, the full-band sound lends a welcome sense of dissonance and unrest to his compositions, leading to one of his most diverse, dynamic, and memorable outings.

Track listing:
1. Oceanus
2. Visitation
3. Drifting Petals
4. Nimbus
5. Winter Solstice
6. Piscean Dreams
7. Red and Black
8. Sand

Distant hills

Eberhard Weber - Fluid Rustle (1979)

Previously on Opium Hum:
The Colours of Chloë (1974)
Pendulum (1993)

Another phenomenal album of ambient jazz from Eberhard Weber. There are no drums on Fluid Rustle -- just a pillowy haze of vibraphone, marimba, balalaika, guitar, and wordless female vocals, with Weber's double bass at the center. Gorgeous, haunting, and infinitely soothing.

Track listing:
1. Quiet Departure
2. Fluid Rustle
3. A Pale Smile
4. Visible Thoughts

On a white horse

Eberhard Weber - Pendulum (1993)

Compared to much of Eberhard Weber's output, such as the dazzling, semi-symphonic The Colours of Chloë, Pendulum is a pretty monochromatic, understated affair. Consisting entirely of layers of Weber's dynamic, versatile double bass playing, it's a subtle, contemplative, singular record that, despite its strictly limited instrumental pallet, explores a variety of emotional landscapes, and ranks as one of the best ECM records of the 90s.

Track listing:
1. Bird Out of Cage
2. Notes After an Evening
3. Delirium
4. Children's Song No. 1
5. Street Scenes
6. Silent for a While
7. Pendulum
8. Unfinished Self-Portrait
9. Closing Scene

Eyes that can see in the dark

Wolfgang Dauner Trio - Dream Talk (1964)

First album by German jazz pianist Wolfgang Dauner. Moody, late-night sounds are the name of the game here. Mostly sparse, understated compositions that occasionally give way to jittery drum-led passages and disjointed piano solos. It's far more conventional than some of his later output, but highly enjoyable nonetheless. Features Opium Hum favorite Eberhard Weber on bass.

Track listing:
1. Dream Talk
2. Bird Food
3. A Long Night
4. Dämmerung
5. Zehn Notizen
6. Soul Eyes
7. Free Fall
8. Yesterdays

Brazing the high sky full

Eberhard Weber - The Colours of Chloë (1974)

Debut album from German bassist Eberhard Weber. Gorgeous, dynamic compositions embellished by a lush, ornate, at times cinematic sound. Essential ECM listening.

Track listing:
1. More Colours
2. The Colours of Chloë
3. An Evening with Vincent Van Rieberhard Weber
4. No Motion Picture

Everyone's leaving