Record Reviews

KENNY WHEELER ~ MUSIC FOR LARGE & SMALL ENSEMBLES ECM 1415/16 (Barcode: 042284315227) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 1990 Released: 1990 Trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist has been one of the great pillars of the British and international Jazz scene for five consecutive decades. His role as one of the most creative protagonists of the British / European Jazz revolution in the 1960s / 1970s was invaluable, but Wheeler continued his seemingly endless streak of creativity into the 21st Century, staying relevant and up to date, with very few rivaling forces of his magnitude. This album, in retrospect, is in many respects a pinnacle of his recording career and firmly belongs to the exclusive club of the top Jazz recordings of all time. Wheeler present here some of his best and most ambitious compositions, both as a composer for a large Jazz orchestra and a small Jazz combo, like the quintet featured here. The list of names of the participating musicians – all 19 of them – reads like the who´s who of modern British Jazz with a couple of American guests (guitarist John AbercrombieFind albums by this artist and drummer Peter ErskineFind albums by this artist) added for good measure. Pianist John TaylorFind albums by this artist, his wife the divine vocalist Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, bassist Dave HollandFind albums by this artist, trumpeter Henry LowtherFind albums by this artist, trombonist Paul RutherfordFind albums by this artist and saxophonist Stan SulzmannFind albums by this artist are just the more familiar of these names. The music is of course heavenly, regardless of the large or small format, both melodically, harmonically and structurally. Wheeler emerges as a Master composer and bandleader and the resulting music is a source of immense pleasure, both aesthetically and intellectually. This is a masterpiece and an essential piece of music, which is a worthy addition to any serious music library. Beyond essential! Visitors' Comments Christopher  Brice Truly (and surprisingly) "Essential"; I generally avoid large ensembles, but this is different as the individual voices of the specific participants were planned for and can be clearly heard

CD 2 Essential Recommend To A Friend