Gnu High cover
Released

Kenny Wheeler’s flugelhorn is a voice to be reckoned with. Whether traversing the multifaceted settings of his avant-garde roots or mellowing into no-less-provocative fanfares, he always knew how to tell a full story, and the 22-minute “Heyoke” that opens this ECM debut speaks volumes. And who could ask for better bandmates than Keith Jarrett (making his last studio appearance as sideman) at the piano, Dave Holland on bass, and drummer Jack DeJohnette? “Smatter” brings kinetic energy to the fore, while “Gnu Suite” finishes this modest-yet-epic set of three with a homecoming finish. A timeless achievement.

Tyran Grillo

Recommended by

Suggestions
Lady Bird cover

Lady Bird

Alyssa Allgood
Sumo cover

Sumo

Oddjob
Offramp cover

Offramp

Pat Metheny Group
The Countdown cover

The Countdown

Mulgrew Miller
Orchestrion cover

Orchestrion

Pat Metheny
Isla cover

Isla

Portico Quartet
Old and New Dreams cover

Old and New Dreams

Charlie Haden, Ed Blackwell, Dewey Redman, Don Cherry
Facing You cover

Facing You

Keith Jarrett
Back Again cover

Back Again

Bob Brookmeyer