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RIP Kenny Wheeler (1930 – 2014)

Kenny Wheeler, June 2012, recording album Mirrors for the Edition label
Photo Credit: Tim Dickeson

Nick Smart of the Royal Academy of Music has confirmed the sad news that the inestimably great Kenny Wheeler passed away earlier today. As Nick writes: “Famously self deprecating, Kenny was always modest and humble about his own musical achievements. But the truth is, he was a genius walking amongst us, and it was the most tremendous privilege to have been able to consider him a dear colleague and friend.” His full tribute is HERE.


KENNY WHEELER – A few pieces from our archive 

Pete Churchill wrote about Mirrors Suite

Nick Smart’s Round-Up of the FONT Festival in New YorkChris Parker’s review of the CD of Mirrors Suite

The London Premiere of the Long Waiting Music LJF 2012

Geoff Winston’s Review of the Kenny Wheeler Quintet at the Great North London Tavern 2013

Oliver Weindling’s Review of the Long Suite 2005 by the Reuben Fowler Big Band 2014



OTHER PIECES ABOUT KENNY WHEELER –

John Fordham’s Guardian obituary

Martin Chilton in the Telegraph

Brian Morton in the Independent

Ivan Hewett in the Telegraph

Tributes from Canada commissioned and collated by Peter Hum Memories (on Facebook) from Noel Langley

Interview with Kenny and Doreen Wheeler by Martin Speake


Manfred Eicher and Steve Lake placed a tribute on the ECM  site, also mentioning the forthcoming album Angel Song. Recorded Christmas 2013, mastered a few weeks ago. (link currently broken)

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1 reply »

  1. What can you say?. Ken was a magnificent musician with a totally unique sound. You could recognise his playing within the first few bars (the same can be said of his arranging and compositions). His later recordings on CamJazz are magnificent. I have been listening again to the big band CD “The Long Waiting” recorded in September 2012 and it is sad to think we will no longer have the benefit of his superb skills

    Alan Giles
    Redruth, Cornwall

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