Keith Jarrett ‎– The Köln Concert

This is by far the most severe trainwreck, I've ever seen on discogs concerning the German pressing variations. I'm well aware that the transitional phase between mid 1976 and mid 1977 with all the changes made on the labels (ECM logo, rimtext, labelcode, 33M) and the change of pressing plant from Pallas to Phonodisc are indeed confusing. Even more when there are mixed label designs in one issue.
But here's a pro-tip: the only true constant in all this mess is the rimtext.
The changed rimtext on ECM records beginning with "Alle ..." was introduced in January 1977. You will NOT find a single ECM record released prior 1977 with the rimtext beginning with "Alle Urheberrechte...".

One could argue against all this with the introduction of the labelcode in September 1976 and that no indication of a labelcode automatically means that an ECM issue was released before 1977. However, every single ECM records that was released in very late 1976 still have the old rimtext (even ECM 1084 and ECM 1088, released in January 1977). So, in the end, it's a little bit more likely that they forgot to print the LC on several Köln Concert issues released in early 1977 than printing the new rimtext couple of months before it first appeared on other ECM releases.

I have a gatefold version of this and the runouts match with the "variant 2" listed above, except side 4 has ECM 1065 D-6 but its all scratched out then below it reads ECM 1064 D-6 but VERy faintly.

I’ve had now four variants of this album and this is the best of them. Super clean and crisp sound. You feel like you among the seated and in awe.

I have exactly the same without the second catalog number on the back.

First pitman pressing has purple or black sticker on sealed sleeve.
But is not easy find a sealed pitman.

"My glasses were falling off, my pants were twisted up, I was sweating, crouching, standing up, sitting down, and I was thinking 'nothing can stop me now'."
This great work is conveying these exact words of Keith Jarrett to the listener, nothing more nothing less.
Great, just a magnificent milestone performance !!! Keith’s vocalisms are causing continuous goosebumps !!!

My favourite Keith Jarrett's solo piano concert, followed by the Vienna Concert.
Part 1 sounds awesome, silent, very emotional.
Part 2A sounds very nice.
Part 2B sounds very nice.
Part 2C is a bit noisy - tried to wet clean it by hand but could not totally solve the issue.

Rough guide through the history of German pressings:
The earliest pressings show the "ECM Records" logo on the labels with copyright rim text beginning with "Urheber- und Leistungsschutzrechte".
Then they switched to the "ECM" logo on the labels (without "RECORDS" underneath).
Later the label rim text was altered to begin with "Alle".
Later still a second catalogue number (2641 064) was added on the backside of the sleeve, right underneath the ECM cat. no.
Even later this second cat. no. shows on the labels as well.

There are various transitional versions, combining different features. Sometimes the label design changes from one side of the record to the other.
Most copies used a matt laminated sleeve (appearing almost unlaminated in perfect condition). Some copies come with a unlaminated textured sleeve.

Bad piano! Genius player and improviser. Result? Incredible live album!