Kenny Wheeler Quintet - 1976 (1976)

This CD reissues music that trumpeter Kenny Wheeler recorded for the Canadian Broadcasting Corp. (CBC) and has been forgotten since. Two aspects of the quintet date are unusual. Wheeler is heard for one of the few times in his career backed by an electric Fender Rhodes piano (played by Gary Williamson) and the music is much more straightahead than the avant-garde trumpeter usually plays. Not that his solos are predictable in any way but Wheeler's sound and the feel of the group (which also includes tenor-saxophonist Art Ellefson, bassist Dave Young and drummer Marty Morell) on the six group originals is oddly reminiscent of Freddie Hubbard's music of a few years earlier. Although not essential, these formerly rare performances are worth hearing.

Tracklist:
1.01 - Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Hi-Yo (8:25)
1.02 - Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Slofa (6:32)
1.03 - Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Quiso (6:50)
1.04 - Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Blues News (7:11)
1.05 - Kenny Wheeler Quintet - Kitts (5:52)
1.06 - Kenny Wheeler Quintet - H.S (6:14)