WHY I LIKE KENNY WHEELER

Greg Lewis
November 1, 2016

In the late 70s, in a basement filled with mirrors and scores upon scores of jazz albums, my cousin played Gnu High for me.  I knew I loved the recordings ECM produced, Stanley Cowell’s Illusion Suite, Chick Corea’s Crystal Silence, Bennie Maupin’s The Jewel In The Lotus, for example.  

Listening, I heard music unlike any before. Trumpeter/flugelhornist Kenny Wheeler’s plaintive, stark, logical, lyrical solos were breathtaking in their turns, stilling my mind, moving my heart.  Heyoke is music so free flowing, intuitive, so in, it’s out! Kenny’s sound is ironically warm and full, despite the icy imagery it conjures. The music creates a deep cool, via the sensitivity of the players to each other and the music. Kenny’s music is thoughtful, and if fully immersed in it, given over to it, creates a profound peace. Gnu High, recorded in 1975 features Keith Jarrett on piano, Dave Holland on bass, Jack DeJohnette on drums, and Wheeler plays flugelhorn.  Kenny’s music is not for casual listening and well worth the time spent in receiving his aural blessing. “Smatter” is a classic, always contemporary piece of music, even though 40 years old at this writing! Kenny uses space as well, for the music and the other players. He can swing with a beautiful lyricism. His melancholy uplifts, and the players play with great eland. ECM creates a beautiful environment for Kenny to blow his magic.

Deer Wan, continued the high level of artistic vision, execution and integrity. On this CD, Kenny is on Trumpet, Jan Garbarek, sax; John Abercrombie, guitar; Dave Holland, bass; Jack DeJohnette, drums. The lp has a cover of a bleak, dark, obscured landscape with fog and cloudy skies; a perfect visual cue to the music about be revealed. This is music that has verve, is energetic, nuanced, healing to the spirit. Unfortunately, this music and Kenny Wheeler do not get the exposure deserved; a feast going uneaten.

These two albums revealed a great artist whose output in various formats has been prolific up until his death September 18, 2014.  Kenny’s work with Anthony Braxton on Five Pieces on Arista is mind-blowing avant grade. Featuring Dave Holland and drummer Barry Alstchul, you hear, “You stepped Out of a Dream” unlike anywhere before. Kenny demonstrates his wide musical range, and fluency.

In the end, i can offer words, imagery,  to try and convey why Kenny Wheeler is a supremely talented, inspired, artist but in the final analysis the music speaks for itself, in volumes.  Treat yourself and listen to Kenny; if you hear him, you’ll be rewarded.