Kenny Wheeler

The son of a trombonist, Wheeler was born in Canada where he played the cornet from the age of 12, but it was in England that he gained notoriety, having moved there in 1952.

In London he began playing with some prominent names, including Tubby Hayes and Ronnie Scott. The first record on which he appears is Fall out by guitarist Terry Smith.

Soon, however, he distinguished himself as a great composer and arranger (for Maynard Ferguson among others), also launching new styles for his new nation, such as free improvisation, recording from 1971 to 1976 with Anthony Braxton’s group and later with a group that will remain in history, Azimuth, along with John Taylor and Norma Winstone.

Also important is his militancy in Dave Holland’s band (1983 – 1987) and in the drumless (drumless) group with Bill Frisell, Dave Holland and Lee Konitz.

Throughout his career he has collaborated with such jazz greats as: Paul Gonsalves, Dave Holland, John Taylor and Norma Winstone (in the Azimuths), Anthony Braxton, Lee Konitz, Keith Jarrett, Theo Jörgensmann Quartet, David Sylvian, Steve Coleman, Bob Brookmeyer, Paul Bley, Philly Joe Jones, Phil Woods, Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band, Claudio Fasoli, Friedrich Gulda, Ralph Towner, Jan Garbarek, Pepper Adams and many others. His is also the TG1 morning theme song from 1986 to 1992.

He also worked in Italy, along with Claudio Fasoli on the album Ten tributes, singer Diana Torto and pianist Glauco Venier, recording an album called “Nineteen plus One” with the prestigious Marche Big Band Colours Jazz Orchestra conducted by M° Massimo Morganti. He played trumpet in the song Punto e a Capo by Max Pezzali. He also played on the album Mariano Deidda sings Grazia Deledda by singer-songwriter Mariano Deidda.