Kenny Wheeler - Angel Song (Reissue, 2024) LP

Luminessence, ECM's new audiophile vinyl-reissue series, is a kaleidoscope, shedding light on the jewels of the label's deep catalogue in elegant, high-quality editions - audiophile vinyl pressing, high-grade tip-on gatefold sleeves that include new liner notes. "Destined to go down in history as a jazz classic" was the verdict with which The Guardian greeted this album on its release in 1997, saying, "Wheeler's compositions and four of the world's greatest improvisers make for a tranquil set that rewards with every listening. This is beautiful, golden music."

'Angel Song' is among the apexes of the label's catalogue, uniting four master-improvisers - each with a unique artistic identity - in an intimate, drummer-less quartet session. Kenny Wheeler is the composer of the nine hauntingly lyrical chamber-elaborations and endows them with his singular timbre on flugelhorn and trumpet in expressive melodic exchanges with alto saxophonist Lee Konitz. Dave Holland's bass-foundation is as compelling as ever, giving Bill Frisell all the freedom for harmony-encompassing improvisation.

The verdict of The Times was equally jubilant: "This is a stirringly beautiful album: Holland's lithe dependability providing the anchor for the dignified sonorousness of Konitz, the flickering grace of Frisell and the plangent tenderness of Wheeler himself."

The album is released on vinyl for the very first time as part of the Luminessence series and is presented as a 2-LP set housed in a tip-on gatefold sleeve.