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  | GREG RUNIONS GROUP ~ BUT NOT FORGOTTEN
GRIND 101 ~ CANADA ~ Jazz
Recorded: 1993 Released: 1997
This is an album by Canadian Jazz vibraphonist / composer Greg RunionsFind albums by this artist, recorded with his Canadian group, which also includes British (born in Canada) trumpeter Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist as a guest. The other players are saxophonist Andrew RathbunFind albums by this artist, guitarist Dave BartonFind albums by this artist, pianist Brian DickinsonFind albums by this artist, bassist Arthur RothFind albums by this artist and drummer Mike CassellsFind albums by this artist. The album presents eight original compositions, four by Runions, two by Barton and one each by Rathbun and Roth.
Although Wheeler moved to UK from Canada in 1952 (when he was twenty-two years old) he maintained close ties with his Canadian roots and often performed and recorded with local musicians during his regular visits in Canada. This is one of such recordings, which remains almost completely obscure and does not appear in most of his discographies. I was very lucky to get it from Kenny’s private collection.
The music is a beautiful example of modern mainstream melodic Jazz, which sounds very European, almost ECMish, rather than American, which is quite surprising. The melodies are well structured and the arrangements delicate, allowing all the instruments to be heard in perfect balance. All the musicians are obviously well schooled and technically up to the challenge. For the many Wheeler followers, he can be heard playing some marvelous trumpet parts here, easily comparable to his best work on more renowned albums.
Overall, this is an excellent modern Jazz album, performed by first class musicians. Released independently by Runions this album disappeared from the surface, but is absolutely worth digging for, not only for the great contributions by Kenny Wheeler, but no less importantly for the splendid music and superb performances by the entire team.
| | Updated: 28/03/2023Posted: 28/03/2023 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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