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  | THIERRY PEALA ~ INNER TRACES
NAIVE 3298492261024 (Barcode: 3298492261024) ~ FRANCE ~ Jazz
Recorded: 2000 Released: 2000
This is the debut album by French Jazz vocalist Thierry PealaFind albums by this artist. Subtitled “A Kenny Wheeler Songbook”, it presents twelve compositions by British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, with lyrics by various lyricist, including British Diva Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, who also sings duets with Peala on four tracks. Other musicians include French pianist Bruno AngeliniFind albums by this artist, Italian bassist Riccardo Del FraFind albums by this artist, drummers British Steve ArguellesFind albums by this artist and French Christophe MarguetFind albums by this artist, and finally the Maestro Wheeler himself on trumpet.
The music is absolutely delightful from start to finish, which is hardly surprising, and showcases a lesser known facet of Wheeler’s work as a composer of songs, rather than instrumental music. The album is completely unknown to most Wheeler followers and does not appear in Wheeler’s discographies (and Norma Winstone’s discographies as well), which I am familiar with. I stumbled upon it quite accidentally and thanks God I did, as it is an outright marvel.
Of course the Wheeler’s compositions are all wonderful, but the vocal interpretations by Peala are also brilliant, as is the instrumental work by all participants. Wheeler plays on ten tracks, as usual stunningly, including some overdubbed duets with himself. Del Fra’s superb bass playing is second to none and Angelini proves to be a highly sensitive accompanist. In short, this is a breathtaking album in every respect, and the fact that I was not aware of it is a travesty, now finally amended. And yes, there is the French accent (all the lyrics are in English), which normally could be an issue, bus somehow in this case this is a charming effect to the whole affair.
Overall, this is a sublime album of modern vocal Jazz, beautifully sung and played by the Master musicians, and an important, albeit almost completely hidden, part of Wheeler’s recorded legacy. Of course it is a must for every Wheeler’s records collector, which probably is not that easy to find by now. A truly delightful, heart melting piece of music!
| | Updated: 14/08/2024Posted: 14/08/2024 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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