Post by egoodstein on Jun 26, 2006 21:59:36 GMT -5
Well I posted this at Masters group too, but then thought I would here too just for the hell of it 
.
KENNY WHEELER, IT TAKES TWO! ('06). ****1/4. The remarkable trumpeter/flugelhornist is 76 and seemingly as energetic as ever, with hardly any dimunition of skill it seems. And in some ways I think he has been composing some of his most interesting work the past few years. This is another example. This time KW joins in interesting quartet with two guitarists, John Aberchrombie and John Parricelli, and double bassist Anders Jormin. He has played/recorded previously with all the others, but not together like this-- so a unique statement. And like his great "What Now?" album from last year, a drumless ensemble-- an intriguing 'effect' by itself. WN features prominently sax player Chris Potter and pianist John Taylor. Dynamics here are different, altogether more intimate and even tending towards a few classical and flamenco ideas on the guitars, but also two free improvisations which are startlingly bold and avant dissonant in contrast. And bassist Jormin isn't quite as blues based as Dave Holland on the WN album, if he adds another dimension to the 'strings.' Wheeler even doesn't play for large stretches, most notably on touching duo guitar & bass treatment of Alex North's "Love Theme from 'Spartacus' (the only non original piece). And there's some nice very subtle overdubbing of both guitars in places and KW with 'himself' on "Fanfare." In both the 'sparse' playing and 'self duet overdub' he echoes Miles Davis at various junctures, if his sound contrasting-- with elements of longing (& 'Celtic folk' whispers) and melancholy balancing more explosive, bluesy and lyrical elements. Just another in a long line of classy, marvelous recordings IMO. As Simon Spillet says in liner notes, "It's intimacy is charming, its emotions are candidly expressed, and its aspirations sincere." Exactly-- IMO this guy has one of the most impressive discographies in jazz last 30+ years. Ed
.KENNY WHEELER, IT TAKES TWO! ('06). ****1/4. The remarkable trumpeter/flugelhornist is 76 and seemingly as energetic as ever, with hardly any dimunition of skill it seems. And in some ways I think he has been composing some of his most interesting work the past few years. This is another example. This time KW joins in interesting quartet with two guitarists, John Aberchrombie and John Parricelli, and double bassist Anders Jormin. He has played/recorded previously with all the others, but not together like this-- so a unique statement. And like his great "What Now?" album from last year, a drumless ensemble-- an intriguing 'effect' by itself. WN features prominently sax player Chris Potter and pianist John Taylor. Dynamics here are different, altogether more intimate and even tending towards a few classical and flamenco ideas on the guitars, but also two free improvisations which are startlingly bold and avant dissonant in contrast. And bassist Jormin isn't quite as blues based as Dave Holland on the WN album, if he adds another dimension to the 'strings.' Wheeler even doesn't play for large stretches, most notably on touching duo guitar & bass treatment of Alex North's "Love Theme from 'Spartacus' (the only non original piece). And there's some nice very subtle overdubbing of both guitars in places and KW with 'himself' on "Fanfare." In both the 'sparse' playing and 'self duet overdub' he echoes Miles Davis at various junctures, if his sound contrasting-- with elements of longing (& 'Celtic folk' whispers) and melancholy balancing more explosive, bluesy and lyrical elements. Just another in a long line of classy, marvelous recordings IMO. As Simon Spillet says in liner notes, "It's intimacy is charming, its emotions are candidly expressed, and its aspirations sincere." Exactly-- IMO this guy has one of the most impressive discographies in jazz last 30+ years. Ed