Songs for Quintet, recorded in 2013 with Stan Sulzmann (tenor sax), John Parricelli (guitar), Chris Lawrence (double bass), and Martin France (drums), ultimately winds up being the final album from veteran flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler after his death in 2014 at the age of 84. With numerous ECM releases as leader and band member going back to the early 1970s, Wheeler has certainly done his part to deliver stunning jazz to his fans over the years, and Songs for Quintet is no exception, a lovely collection of newer material that will please the listener and add to his stellar discography.
Despite Wheeler's commanding presence as a soloist here, he's not alone by any means. The rest of the line-up take their turns in the spotlight throughout the album, with Lawrence snaking his way through "Sly Eyes" alongside an extremely melodic Sulzmann, while Parricelli drops in some tasty, Wes Montgomery styled lead guitar lines on the lovely "Pretty Liddle Waltz". However, it's the leaders soaring lines on the raucous "1076", the haunting "Nonetheless", and the mysterious yet classy "Jigsaw" that provides the most enjoyment here, and when Wheeler & Sulzmann saddle up next to each other, expect plenty of magic & fireworks.
Recorded in London's Abbey Road studios, Songs for Quintet is a fabulous sounding CD, and with lovely songs played to perfection, filled with soaring melodies and expert instrumentation, you just can't go wrong with this one. Kenny Wheeler was an enormous talent, and will be greatly missed.
Track Listing
1. Seventy-Six
2. Jigsaw
3. The Long Waiting
4. Canter No.1
5. Sly Eyes
6. 1076
7. Old Time
8. Pretty Liddle Waltz
9. Nonetheless
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