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  | KENNY WHEELER ~ OTHER PEOPLE
CAM JAZZ 7801 (Barcode: 8024709780126) ~ UK ~ Jazz-Classical Fusion
Recorded: 2005 Released: 2008
This is the fifth album for the Italian CAM JazzFind albums on this label label by the British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and one of three albums recorded in late 2005 at the legendary Bauer Studio in Ludwigsburg. Wheeler is accompanied by his faithful musical partner, British pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, and although Taylor appears as a "guest" here, this is as much a duo album as the other duo album recorded at the time, entitled "On The Way To TwoFind albums with this title". The major difference is of course the presence of the Austrian Hugo Wolf String QuartetFind albums by this artist, which marks the first time Wheeler recorded with a string quartet. The album presents eight original compositions, all composed by Wheeler and including his string arrangements. Two of the compositions do not feature his trumpet and are entirely string quartet pieces.
Aged 75 at the time of the recording, Wheeler proves that he is as vital and searching as a young musician and his handling of the string quartet both as a composer and an arranger is truly exceptional, showing his versatility and immense talent, which of course is nothing new to his followers. All the music, both the Jazz oriented pieces and the more Classical ones, are exquisite as are the performances, and the album, especially due to the presence of the string quartet, is an important and unique piece of Wheeler´s legacy.
Taylor´s contributions on this album are by no means secondary, and his essential piano harmonies and delicate finger work are an indispensable part of the music. The exceptional musical combination of the talents of these two Giants is a wonderful example of the "Art of the Duo" idiom.
Overall this is a lyrical, deeply melodic music, which ignores stylistic conventions and offers an exceptional cross-genre musical experience, which is a delight from start to finish. Wheeler delivers yet another masterpiece in the long chain of his masterful recordings and the album is an absolute must to Wheeler / British Jazz aficionados. Not to be missed!
| | Updated: 10/04/2020Posted: 24/07/2018 | CD 1 Recommend To A Friend |
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