Atmosphères is proof that an ECM production is more than the sum of its musicians. For while Tigran Hamasyan (piano), Arve Henriksen (trumpet), Eivind Aarset (guitar), and Jan Bang (live sampling, samples) surely form a unique configuration, one feels the fingerprints of producer Manfred Eicher and engineer Stefano Amerio all over the album’s empathetic spirit. The Armenian pianist draws from his homeland’s most celebrated composer, Komitas Vardapet (1869-1935), whose music has been a touchpoint in the label’s catalog. Beyond that, ten freely improvised “Traces” make up most of this double album, bringing the nominal quartet to full life.

– Tyran Grillo