Kenny Wheeler

[B. Goren.]

So far I am familiar only with his recordings as a sideman. I like his playing and his sound. Any recommendations as a leader? What about his ECM recordings?

[Daniel A]

Start with this:

[Alon Marcus]

Double You Double You - very challenging and interesting music

[kdd]

I second Double You Double You and also highly recommend Music For Large and Small Ensembles

[A Lark Ascending]

I'd highly recommend:

and

Both from c.1990. There was a discussion of the first here:

http://www.organissimo.org/forum/index.php...topic=10028&hl=

Kenny Wheeler takes up nearly half a shelf of my wall unit; I'd say that if you like anything at all by him you're likely to find something of interest on any of his discs.

He's currently releasing discs like there's no tomorrow!

Edited March 23, 2005 by Bev Stapleton

[sidewinder]

I would strongly recommend 'Song For Someone' (psi). A large group recording from the mid-1970s with stellar British big band lineup (all the usual suspects - Taylor, Winstone, Alan Branscombe etc) plus Tony Oxley, Evan Parker and Derek Bailey. Originally recorded for Incus Records and an incredible amalgam of traditional big band and Euro free-jazz forms. Hugely under-rated and near-unknown album, rare on vinyl and buried for circa 30 years before the CD came out.

My favourite Wheeler is probably the infamous and rare 'Windmill Tilter' (Fontana). Almost a prototype run for 'Music For Large and Small..'. I hope that it comes out on CD format in the not too distant future..

[sidewinder]

Check out also my AOTW thread on the 'Music For Large and Small Ensembles'

Wheeler AOTW Thread...

[Daniel A]

My favourite Wheeler is probably the infamous and rare 'Windmill Tilter' (Fontana).

I've missed the story on this, why is it infamous? Ifamously hard to get?

[sidewinder]

It has never been issued on CD and there are rumours that the master tapes might have been lost. In a recent interview, I think Kenny Wheeler himself mentioned that he didn't have a copy and that he wasn't sure that the masters would ever be found. A shame - its a very fine recording which needs to be heard. Basically Wheeler fronting the John Dankworth Orchestra of the late 60s with a young John McLaughlin (pre-Miles).

Very much a legendary session in the annals of British Jazz..

[sidewinder]

Here's a link to a very good recent Wheeler article, put out just before his 70th Birthday tour:

Link to Wheeler Article..

[tonym]

Well, I might as well say Deer Wan, since most other ECMs have been suggested (I know he's recorded for other labels). No seriously though, I like Kenny best when he's with John Abercromie, or at leaast a 'crunchy' player capable of injecting some vim into proceedings.

This is not to say that I think Wheeler's playing is ineffectual, but a good foil for his beautiful, and often plangent tone is needed IMO.

[Guest che]

Just come across a review of his latest album "What Now?", which is a great review I am about to order this album, anyone heard this and what are your thoughts?

Che.

[A Lark Ascending]

Some of Kenny's most beautiful playing lies on the Azimuth discs:

(the first three discs...start here!)

Be warned - this is very much chamber jazz. Piano, trumpet/flugel, voice with occasional synths and one guest appearance by Ralph Towner.

I love this trio. But 'swing' is a minor consideration in their concept. Though if you're looking for KW I suspect the 'swing' imperative is not central.

Edited March 23, 2005 by Bev Stapleton

[A Lark Ascending]

I've not heard "What Now?" but be warned - Kenny's playing is not what it once was. He's still got the ideas and intelligence but the execution can be a little wayward. As a starting point I'd go back five years and before.

I enjoy the recent stuff, in the same way you can come to love a gnarled bluesman or folk singer whose spirit still shines despite the loss of technique.

But I suspect to a new listener it might be puzzling.

[Guest che]

I've not heard "What Now?" but be warned - Kenny's playing is not what it once was. He's still got the ideas and intelligence but the execution can be a little wayward. As a starting point I'd go back five years and before.

I enjoy the recent stuff, in the same way you can come to love a gnarled bluesman or folk singer whose spirit still shines despite the loss of technique.

But I suspect to a new listener it might be puzzling.

Thanks Bev .

Jazzwise gave this album a great review amd suggested that it was one of his best for a while.

I will let you know what I think.

Che.

[Daniel A]

As a starting point I'd go back five years and before.

This happens to be recorded five years ago. I don't own it myself, but I've heard it once and it was a very fine set. Hersch in particular shines, but so does Wheeler.

[A Lark Ascending]

I'd also back sidewinder's recommendation of 'Song for Someone' - a great one from very early in his career.

As a complete contrast try this...he's only on it occasionally but you get to hear him in a totally free context, a place he has operated in consistently since the sixties, despite the lyrical nature of most of his music:

Freezone Appleby, 2003

Details here:

http://www.emanemdisc.com/psi04.html

Edited March 23, 2005 by Bev Stapleton

[A Lark Ascending]

As a starting point I'd go back five years and before.

This happens to be recorded five years ago. I don't own it myself, but I've heard it once and it was a very fine set. Hersch in particular shines, but so does Wheeler.

Hey, you can hear ME on that one! I was at the concert in a very odd (and cold) Oxford church with Byzantine murals on the walls!

[sidewinder]

I saw the Bradford-on-Avon concert by this group and enjoyed it immensely. Very Azimuth, in ways !

[A Lark Ascending]

This is a lovely Kenny Wheeler disc that rarely gets mentioned.

It's on Soul Note.

[Clunky]

Kenny's chops sounded fine (to me at least) on the recent BBC broadcast celebrating his 75th Birthday.

[king ubu]

Any opinions on this one?

It's a Sketch release (that label is gone now, so...).

I have it, but it never got too much playtime here and it's been long since I last listened to it. Maybe I should change that?

[B. Goren.]

Thank you all for your recommendations.

Eventually I ordered this short list:

• Gnu High

• Kenny Wheeler & Sonny Greenwich Quintet: Live at the Montreal Bistro

• Music for Large and Small Ensembles

• Angel Song

Edited March 24, 2005 by B. Goren.

[7/4]

Angel Song is amazing.

[Guest akanalog]

anyone hear an album called just kenny wheeler quintet 1976? looks interesting but i dont know any of the players besides marty morrell. must be canadians. anyone know about this one?