Record Reviews

MUNICH JAZZ ORCHESTRA & KENNY WHEELER ~ SOMETIME SUITE BASIC SOUND 026 (Barcode: 4030746000268) ~ UK ~ Big Band Jazz Recorded: 1999 Released: 2001 This is an album the German Jazz ensemble called Munich Jazz OrchestraFind albums by this artist, an undecet, expended to a duodecet with the addition of the British trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist, who composed and arranged the music – a thirteen-part suite, which gives the album its title. Although I consider myself quite an expert of all things concerning the recordings of Wheeler’s music, I have not been aware of the extremely obscure album until recently, which is quite astounding, and discovering it was a great joy! The music is, of course, everything one might expect from Wheeler the composer and trumpeter (he plays soli on two of the thirteen tracks), especially so in case of his expanded compositions for larger ensembles, like the one presented here. The Munich Jazz Orchestra is the official Jazz orchestra of the Munich University of Music and Performing Arts, directed by trumpeter prof. Claus ReichstallerFind albums by this artist, and includes the Australian (resident in Munich) guitarist Peter O`MaraFind albums by this artist, who also teaches at the Munich University, and of course students, including vocalist Merit OstermannFind albums by this artist. Despite the fact that these are mostly students, the Big Band performances are absolutely stellar. Overall, this is a brilliant “missing piece” in the seemingly never-ending puzzle of Kenny Wheeler’s legacy, which I have been trying to complete for decades, and each find like this one gets me closer to the goal. The music is dazzling, as always, and the album is an absolute “must have” to all Wheeler admirers / collectors / followers, like yours truly!

Updated: 24/11/2025Posted: 24/11/2025

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