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Kenny Wheeler: What Now?
The title track begins with Wheeler's flugelhorn in a solemn procession that asks the question "What Now?" sincerely. Do we know where jazz is headed? Do we sit back and let it evolve, or do we force change? Wheeler prefers to dream about it and to let things ride smoothly over timeless combinations of musical elements that are blended together naturally. The ballad approach applies today as it did at the beginning of time. Beauty of sound and motion belies a true belief in art as a prescription for life itself. With that musical thread driving him, Wheeler devotes his quartet session to a search for lyrical beauty from a balladeer's viewpoint. Everything fits together well, and he makes sure the refrains are tied together seamlessly.
While part of the program drives with dreamy intensity, most relies on lyrical beauty for its inspiration. Hence, no drummer was called in for this date. Wheeler pours out his thoughts, not in a conversational style, but as one singing praises of what strikes him as established objects of beautiful art. He and his musical partners prefer to celebrate what appeals to our aesthetic nature, and it works out well.
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues, The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.
Track Listing
Iowa City; One Two Three; March Mist; THe Lover Mourns; The Sweet Yakity Waltz; What Now?; For Tracy; Verona
Personnel
Kenny Wheeler
flugelhornKenny Wheeler (flugelhorn), Chris Potter (tenor saxophone), John Taylor (piano), Dave Holland (double-bass)
Album information
Title: What Now? | Year Released: 2005 | Record Label: CAM Jazz
About Kenny Wheeler
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