Record Reviews

KENNY WHEELER / JOHN TAYLOR ~ ON THE WAY TO TWO CAM JAZZ 5054 (Barcode: 016728505420) ~ UK ~ Jazz Recorded: 2005 Released: 2015 This is an exquisite duo album by two British Jazz icons: trumpeter / composer Kenny WheelerFind albums by this artist and pianist / composer John TaylorFind albums by this artist. Starting in 2004, Wheeler and Taylor recorded together on many occasions for the Italian CAM JazzFind albums on this label label, commencing with their debut duo album for the label, entitled "Where Do We Go From Here?Find albums with this title". In 2005 Wheeler recorded the album "What Now?Find albums with this title" in a quartet setting which included Taylor, and also the second duo album for the label with Taylor (recorded with a string quartet) entitled "Other PeopleFind albums with this title". But ten years later the label announced that another duo album was recorded by the two musicians that year, so far unreleased, and it was decided to release it to commemorate the first anniversary of Wheeler´s untimely passing. Taylor, who wrote a moving epitaph in memory of Wheeler for the album´s liner notes, tragically died shortly before the album was released, which made this album a tribute to them both. The album offers ten tacks, nine of which are original compositions (five by Wheeler, three by Wheeler and Taylor and one by Taylor) and one is a standard. In retrospect the collaboration between Wheeler and Taylor proved to be one of the most lasting and incredibly fruitful relationships in British / European Jazz. Although it spans many stylistic variations and settings, including the legendary AzimuthFind albums by this artist trio with Norma WinstoneFind albums by this artist, Wheeler and Taylor always complimented each other wonderfully, displaying typical European aesthetics and artistic finesse. Their collected recorded legacy is an incredible treasure chest of musical wonders and the essence of Jazz as a creative and developing idiom. The music on this album continues the trumpet / piano dialogue, which these two musicians simply brought to perfection. Beyond the melodic and harmonic beauty of the music, there is also the incredible personal rapport, the mutual respect and the obvious friendship, all exquisitely reflected in the music. Although released posthumously, this album is one more piece of the wondrous puzzle Wheeler and Taylor managed to construct in their lifetime, for all of us to enjoy and cherish. They both were magic song weavers of rare quality, and the world became sadly less livable with their passing. This is definitely a must have for all Wheeler / Taylor many connoisseurs all over the world, a missing crown jewel and a proverbial cherry on the top. Don’t even think about it twice, just grab it!

Updated: 10/04/2020Posted: 19/06/2018

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