https://jazzinbritain1.bandcamp.com/album/ken-wheeler-some-gnu-ones
Genre: Third Stream Jazz
Rating: 5/5
released on bandcamp November 1, 2021
An homage to Kenny Wheeler, a British avant-garde trumpeter and flugelhorn player who died at 84 in 2014. Wheeler has a fantastic resume and a prolific discography that includes, among many other things, appearances on pivotal Anthony Braxton records from the 1970’s.
Laurence is a former band mate with an incredible resume himself. Laurence has extensive experience in film scores and he puts his knowledge and skill to great work on this homage. Actually, I strongly recommend reading the bandcamp notes to gain an understanding of what this music actually is.
As to be expected considering Laurence’s background, the orchestration on this is lush and delicious. There are many traditions he’s building on but Norman Granz comes to mind for me. Especially Parker with Strings. Besides the orchestration, the compositions are great and all the musicians are in fantastic form.
Do yourself a favor and check out this gem.
Warmth Highest 