ECM Luminessence Series 2LP, Tip-On Gatefold Jacket with Booklet

Rites reaches vinyl here for the first time. ECM issues it as a two-LP set in its Luminessence series, catalog number ECM 1685/86, housed in a tip-on gatefold jacket with a booklet that carries texts, photographs and all the original material from the 1998 CD release. The album's roughly 98 minutes are laid out four tracks to a side, which moves "It's High Time" from the top of the old second disc to the close of side B.

Luminessence is ECM's audiophile vinyl reissue series. It takes its name from the 1975 album on which Garbarek improvised over string arrangements Keith Jarrett wrote for him, and ECM describes the series as shedding light on the jewels of its deep catalogue in elegant, high-quality editions. Rites arrives in the autumn 2026 run of the series, between the Stanley Cowell Trio's Illusion Suite and Keith Jarrett and Charlie Haden's Jasmine.

The music was recorded in March 1998 at Rainbow Studio in Oslo, produced by Manfred Eicher with Jan Erik Kongshaug engineering, and first released as a double CD on October 5, 1998. Garbarek plays soprano and tenor saxophones, synthesizers, samplers and percussion alongside longtime associates Rainer Brüninghaus on piano and keyboards and Eberhard Weber on bass, with Marilyn Mazur on drums and percussion and Bugge Wesseltoft on synthesizers and accordion. Billboard, quoted on ECM's page, counted it as his 22nd album as a leader for the label.

The program looks back across Garbarek's own history. "Malinye" is Don Cherry's piece, played in his memory, and "It's OK to Listen to the Gray Voice" and "So Mild the Wind, So Meek the Water" return to compositions from his earlier ECM catalog. "We Are the Stars" sets a Passamaquoddy poem for young singers of the Norwegian boys' choir Sølvguttene with soprano saxophone. "The Moon over Mtatsminda," recorded in Tbilisi, is sung by its composer Jansug Kakhidze with the Tbilisi Symphony Orchestra, a setting of a text by Galaktion Tabidze on which Garbarek does not play at all.

Tracklist

LP 1, Side A

1. Rites
2. Where the Rivers Meet
3. Vast Plain, Clouds
4. So Mild the Wind, So Meek the Water

LP 1, Side B

1. Song, Tread Lightly
2. It's OK to Listen to the Gray Voice
3. Her Wild Ways
4. It's High Time

LP 2, Side C

1. One Ying for Every Yang
2. Pan
3. We Are the Stars
4. The Moon over Mtatsminda

LP 2, Side D

1. Malinye
2. The White Clown
3. Evenly They Danced
4. Last Rite

Our Shipping Terms

Evergreen Vinyl ships records with care and attention to detail, using established carriers and packaging practices designed to protect physical media in transit.

Where We Ship

We currently ship to the United States and Canada.

Order Processing

Orders are typically processed and shipped within 1–3 business days after payment is received. Orders placed on weekends or holidays are processed on the next business day.

Pre-orders generally ship on or around the official release date of the title. When available, estimated ship timing is noted on the product page.

Carriers

We ship via USPS, UPS, or FedEx, depending on destination, package size, and service availability. Carrier selection is made at the time of fulfillment.

Shipping Speeds & Delivery Estimates

Delivery timelines are estimates, not guarantees.

Estimated delivery windows are quoted at checkout based on the shipping speed you select and your delivery address. Transit time begins after your order has been processed.

Typical delivery within the United States ranges from 3–7 business days after shipment, depending on location and selected service. Delivery times for Canada vary by destination and carrier, and may be affected by customs processing.

While most deliveries arrive within the quoted window, occasional delays may occur due to weather, carrier volume, or other factors outside our control.

Shipping Rates

Shipping costs are calculated and displayed at checkout based on destination, package weight, and selected delivery speed.

Signature Requirements

Orders totaling over $250 may require a signature upon delivery to help ensure safe receipt. This is applied based on order value and carrier guidelines.

Tracking & Safe Delivery

Once your order ships, you’ll receive tracking information via email. We recommend monitoring tracking updates and ensuring delivery to a secure location.

Evergreen Vinyl is not responsible for packages that are lost or stolen after being marked as delivered by the carrier. Customers are responsible for selecting a shipping address where deliveries can be received safely.

If a shipment is delayed, missing, or marked as delivered but not received, we’re happy to assist in coordinating with the carrier.

Canadian Orders

Canadian customers are responsible for any applicable duties, taxes, or import fees assessed at delivery.

Damaged Shipments

If your order arrives with visible damage:

• Please retain all packaging, including the outer box and packing materials

• Contact us as soon as possible (ideally immediately) after delivery

• Clear photos of the item and packaging may be required to support a carrier claim

Prompt reporting allows us to resolve issues more efficiently and advocate on your behalf.

Questions or Shipping Issues

For shipping-related questions or concerns, please contact us at:

info@evergreenvinyl.com

We care about getting this right and will always aim for a fair, reasonable resolution.

Last updated: 2/6/26

Returns & Refunds

Evergreen Vinyl takes care in how records and equipment are described, graded, packed, and shipped. If something arrives in a condition that isn’t right, we want to address it promptly and fairly.

Returns

We accept returns only for items that arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect, or where a return has been approved in advance.

To be eligible for a return:

• You must contact us within 7 days of delivery

• Items must be unused and unplayed

• Items must be returned in their original packaging

• Photos of the issue may be required prior to approval

We do not accept returns for:

• Buyer’s remorse or accidental orders

• Opened or played records

• Minor corner dings, seam splits, or cosmetic wear caused during shipping

• Items damaged after delivery

• Items marked final sale

Exchanges

We offer exchanges for new, unopened products only, subject to availability.

• Exchanges must be approved in advance

• The customer is responsible for return shipping costs

• Items must be returned in original, unopened condition

Used items are not eligible for exchange.

Used Records & Grading Expectations

Used records are graded carefully and honestly, but they are not perfect.

If the media or sleeve is graded below New or Mint, cosmetic or playback-related imperfections should be expected and are reflected in the price and description. These characteristics do not qualify as defects.

Turntables & Speakers

Turntables and speakers are non-returnable once delivered unless they arrive damaged or defective.

If an issue is present on arrival:

• Contact us within 7 days of delivery

• Retain all original packaging and accessories

• Provide clear photos and a description of the issue

We will review the issue and, when approved, arrange a replacement or refund in accordance with this policy.

Merchandise & Accessories

Merchandise and accessories (including, but not limited to, apparel, slipmats, accessories, and non-media items) are final sale and non-returnable, unless they arrive damaged or incorrect.

Damaged, Defective, or Incorrect Items

If your order arrives damaged, defective, or incorrect:

• Please retain all original packaging, including the outer box and packing materials

• Contact us as soon as possible (ideally immediately) after delivery

• Include your order number, a brief description of the issue, and clear photos

Prompt reporting allows us to resolve issues efficiently and, when applicable, pursue carrier claims.

Refunds

Approved refunds are issued to the original payment method after inspection (if a return is required).

• Original shipping costs are non-refundable unless the error was ours

• Refund timing may vary depending on your payment provider

Chargebacks & Payment Disputes

We strongly encourage customers to contact us directly with any concerns before filing a credit card dispute or chargeback.

Once a dispute or chargeback has been initiated, we are unable to proceed with refunds, replacements, or reshipments until the case is fully resolved. Resolution timelines are controlled by the payment processor and can take up to 120 days.

Preorders

Preorders may be cancelled for a full refund at any time before the order ships.

Once a preorder has shipped, it is treated as a completed order and is subject to the return, refund, and exchange policies outlined above.

Non-Returnable Items

The following items are not eligible for return or refund unless they arrive damaged, defective, or incorrect:

• Merchandise and accessories

• Turntables and speakers

• Used records graded below New or Mint (for condition-related expectations)

Our Approach

Records and audio equipment are physical objects, and small variations can occur. We aim to be transparent, consistent, and reasonable. We take legitimate issues seriously when they arise.

Questions or Return Requests

For return, exchange, or refund questions, please contact us at:

info@evergreenvinyl.com

Including your order number helps us assist you more efficiently.

Last updated: 2/6/26