Home » Jazz Articles » Album Review » Kenny Wheeler: Songs for Quintet
Kenny Wheeler: Songs for Quintet
Track review of "Nonetheless"
In the '70s, Wheeler was a catalyst that helped define ECM Records new wave, forward-looking vision and audio aesthetic, complemented by the label's fine art- based album covers. Milestone releases such as Gnu High (1975) and Deer Wan (1977) are pivotal albums that established his deeply personalized artistic paradigms framed in numerous jazz-related vernaculars.
The quintet executes a fusion of mid-tempo motifs, expressive ballads and inspiring choruses, often dappled with the soloists' velvety lines and thematic developments that float atop the crisp rhythms. Yet "Nonetheless," is one of the more interesting works, launched by guitarist John Parricelli's nimbly articulated intro that segues into unison choruses with Wheeler and contrapuntal voicings by ace saxophonist Stan Sulzmann. Moreover, the rhythm section implements a darting Latin- shaded undercurrent, sparking a buoyant foundation, although the principle melody is not framed on the Latin jazz element. These aspects deliver an interesting set of contrasts, where the ensemble gradually raises the pitch, framed on Wheeler and Sulzmann's weaving notes and intensifying delivery.
The offsetting metrics gently propel a horde of harmonizing variables that typify Wheeler's imaginative and inimitable approach to jazz composition. Indeed, he was a source of inspiration to legions of jazz enthusiasts and musicians, and will be sorely missed.
Track Listing
Seventy Six; Jigsaw; The Long Waiting; Canter No.1; Sly Eyes; 1076; Old Time; Pretty Liddle Waltz; Nonetheless.
Personnel
Kenny Wheeler
flugelhornKenny Wheeler: flugelhorn; Stan Sulzman: tenor saxophone; John Parricelli: guitar; Chris Laurence: double bass; Martin France: drums.
Album information
Title: Songs for Quintet | Year Released: 2015 | Record Label: ECM Records
About Kenny Wheeler
Tags
PREVIOUS / NEXT
Become a Sustaining Member
Since 1995, All About Jazz has championed jazz as an art form and supported the musicians who create it. Over three decades, it has grown into one of the world's leading jazz resources, serving hundreds of thousands of readers, musicians, presenters and industry professionals each month.
Help Build the Future of All About Jazz
Your support helps us continue building All About Jazz for the next generation—expanding our editorial coverage, preserving jazz history, developing new community features and creating better ways to discover the music and the people behind it.
Become a sustaining member for as little as $20 per year and you'll immediately enjoy an ad-free experience along with access to subscriber features and future articles for a full year.
Together, we're not simply sustaining All About Jazz—we're building its future. Thank you for being part of the journey.
