Sunday, September 13, 2020

Kenny Wheeler – Deer Wan (ECM, 1978)

Kenny Wheeler (tr, flgn); Jan Garbarek (ts, ss); John Abercrombie (g, mandolin); Ralph Towner (g); Dave Holland (b); Jack DeJohnette (d)

Recorded in July 1977


Wheeler's first record for ECM, Gnu High (1976), is rightfully acknowledged as a classic, but I like his second, Deer Wan, even better.  

Wheeler's album benefits from his typically brilliant compositions and a truly ridiculous line up of all star sidemen, all of whom were recording for Manfred Eicher's label as leaders.




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1 comment:

  1. Dan RobeyOctober 3, 2020 at 3:56 PM

    I like both of Wheeler's ECM albums: Deer Wan and Gnu High, partly for the puns about hoofed animals work their way into album titles. They are very different lineups. Gnu High has a "rhythm section" comprised of Keith Jarrett, Jack DeJohnette, and Dave Holland - hard to beat.

    But the more eclectic cast on Deer Wan makes for more interest and novelty. Abercrombie on electric guitar and mandolin? Gotta love it. Ralph Towner also plays 12-string on one track.

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