Jan Garbarek, Bobo Stenson, Terje Rypdal, Arild Andersen, Jon Christensen - Sart (1971)

SART is Jan Garbarek's second release on ECM label and third in line release of his quartet (yes pianist Bobo Stenson collaborates here as fifth member, but his participation is of quite limited character and doesn't change quartet's musical direction, so I think it's not a big mistake to count this album as Garbarek's quartet + Bobo Stenson release). After these three Garbarek's solo releases he will change his band's format to trio, and musical direction will start changing dramatically.

Returning back to SART, this album sounds in a key of previous quartet works, combining electric fusion and acoustic avant-garde jazz elements. Comparing with previous album (I believe "Afric Pepperbird" is absolute Garbarek's peak release) SART is not so explosive and sharp, but more mature.Album's opener sounds heavily influenced by Miles Davis early fusion music (electric Terje Rypdal guitar's sound only support this feeling), but on other compositions Garbarek switches more towards Ayler-influenced free jazz.

On whole album Terje Rypdals' guitar is very important instrument,seriously influenced all music's sound with jazz fusion flavor. On his next (trio's) album Garbarek will play guitar-less music, and what a huge difference in sound it would be!

I believe that three first Garbarek's ECM albums contains probably most adventurous,experimental and interesting music in all his discography.On his later releases he will turn to more mellow and accessible sound, melting jazz with Nordic folk and new age and accepting much more polished sound. There will be some really successful albums still released, but Garbarek's golden legacy is these three very first works.