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Below is a list of my twelve selections.

1. Dave Holland: Conference of the Birds
2. Keith Jarrett: In Front
3. Jan Garbarek: Witchi-Tai-To
4. Pat Metheny: Midwestern Nights Dream
5. Chick Corea: Song for Sally
6. Ralph Towner & Gary Burton: Icarus
7. Egberto Gismonti: Baião Malandro
8. Paul Bley: Closer
9. Enrico Rava: The Pilgrim and the Stars
10. Keith Jarrett: Bremen, Part I
11. Steve Reich: Music for 18 Musicians
12. The Art Ensemble of Chicago: Folkus

I’d be hard pressed not to include the following selections:

1. Bill Connors – Melting (Of Mist and Melting, Dec.’77)
2. Jack DeJohnette – Bayou Fever (New Directions, June ‘78)
3. Eberhard Weber – Silent Feet (Silent Feet, Nov.’77)
4. Barre Phillips – A-i-a (Three Day Moon, March ‘78)
5. Paul Motian – Lullaby (Dance, Sept.’77)
6. Kenny Wheeler – Deer Wan (Deer Wan, July’77)
7. Mick Goodrick – Summer Band Camp (In Pas(s)ing, Nov.’78)

This not to suggest that I would disagree with the list above… There was such a wealth of music created on the ECM label during that decade that it is inevitable there could be an infinite number of incredible “dozens” lists. These are merely seven examples off the top of my head that I would include on my own personal list. For what it’s worth…

I’d like to see some of bassist Barre Phillips’ work included. Moonscapes is a great example. He’s well known in Europe but not so well known here. Moved to Europe in the 1960s because he wanted to play free jazz and couldn’t make a living doing that in the United States. He occasionally teaches clinics and performs in this country and now lives in France. Disclaimer: He’s a friend of mine. And a GREAT bassist.

All great recordings…

I’d find a place for:
The Colours of Chloe – E. Weber
Oceanus [Solstice] – Ralph Towner
Timeless – J. Abercrombie
Spiral Dance – K. Jarrett
some Rypdal, too

and I second the suggestion for Barre Phillps – Mountainscapes is one of my faves