Record Reviews

COPLAND / ABERCROMBIE / WHEELER ~ BRAND NEW CHALLENGE 70122 (Barcode: 608917012224) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2004 Released: 2004 This is the second (and last) album by the trio comprising of American pianist / composer Marc CoplandFind albums by this artist, American guitarist / composer John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and legendary British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tunes, seven of which are original compositions: two each by Copland and Wheeler and three by Abercrombie, and two are standards. This album continues the concept established on the debut album with the three Master musicians performing intimate interpretations of their compositions and standards, all of which are kept within the melodic mainstream idiom. The music is mostly delicate and lyrical, presenting the gentle side of these three illustrious musicians. The performances are of course wonderful from start to finish, as expected under these circumstances. Again this album exposes some of the most subtle and fragile guitar playing by Abercrombie, which should be a delightful discovery for his fans. Wheeler is also as brilliant as one might expect with every note perfectly articulated and the wonderful feel for melody present at all times. Copland keeps the music together, making a great job at it, especially in view of the absence of a rhythm section. The interplay and mutual respect these musicians demonstrate on this album is of the highest standard and the music breathes aesthetics and superb aptitude all along the way. Overall this is another superb album by the trio and a perfect companion to the debut, both of which deserve a place in any serious Jazz record collection. For Wheeler fans this is of course an absolute must!

Updated: 26/04/2019Posted: 26/04/2019

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COPLAND / ABERCROMBIE / WHEELER ~ THAT`S FOR SURE CHALLENGE 70098 (Barcode: 608917009828) ~ USA ~ Jazz Recorded: 2000 Released: 2001 This is the debut album by the trio comprising of American pianist / composer Marc CoplandFind albums by this artist, American guitarist / composer John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist. The album presents nine tunes, eight of which are original compositions: two by Copland and three each by Abercrombie and Wheeler, and one is a standard. The music is all quite conventional mainstream Jazz, mostly very melodic and low key, but of course all three participants are Masters of their trade, both as composers and players, so there is no shortage of great music here. The intimacy and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of the entire session is the key, which allows the musicians to toy with their ideas and play as much for each other as for the sake of the recording. Abercrombie fans will find here some of the most melancholic guitar playing of his entire career, which of course is both surprising and delightful. Wheeler´s trumpet and flugelhorn are also at their absolute best, as he was at the absolute peak of his career at the time this music was recorded. Copland seems to be the quiet romantic here plying relatively few solo parts, but keeping the music together harmonically. Overall this is a delightful album, which showcases three mature Masters at the peak of their creative years, playing superbly together. No big surprises here, but who needs surprises when everything works out just perfectly. The trio recorded another album together four years later, which is very similar to this one and is also certainly worth being discovered. For the Wheeler fans and connoisseurs, this is an absolute must in their collection!

Updated: 04/04/2019Posted: 04/04/2019

CD 1 Recommend To A Friend