Jazz |

Gone in 2014, the composer and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler left behind a body of work that is both remarkable in its scope and exceptional in its quality. His albums released on the ECM label remain benchmarks to this day, so it comes as no surprise that some contemporary artists wish to pay tribute to him and revive his creations.
We can only applaud the outstanding musicians who participated in this transatlantic project, which brings together the Royal Academy of Music Jazz Orchestra (UK) and the Frost Jazz Orchestra of the University of Miami. The ensemble is enriched by a host of admirers, colleagues, and former collaborators of Wheeler, including Shelly Berg, Etienne Charles, James Copus, John Daversa, Ingrid Jensen, Brian Lynch, Evan Parker, Chris Potter, Nick Smart, and Norma Winstone. Though we may not be familiar with all of them, we have had the opportunity to review albums by several of these artists in the past.
Kenny Wheeler’s works, often composed for large ensembles, are usually complex. What stands out in this recording is how each artist has brought their own sensitivity and perspective, resulting in sublime, inventive, and radiant arrangements. One might even wonder whether the recording venue—the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London—imbued a touch of magic into the performances. This partnership between the Royal Academy of Music in London and the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami has given birth to Some Days Are Better, released shortly after what would have been Wheeler’s 95th birthday (January 14). The album coincides with the publication of Song for Someone: The Musical Life of Kenny Wheeler by Brian Shaw and Nick Smart (Equinox Publishing).
Adding to the album’s allure is its focus on lesser-known works. The orchestral, almost symphonic form, and the inclusion of voices reflect a bygone era—the late 1960s. The notes inscribed on these scores bear witness to an era of unparalleled richness and boundless creativity. The project’s origins are also fascinating to uncover.
A Musical Resurrection Unearthed from BBC Archives
Nick Smart, Head of Jazz Programs at the Royal Academy of Music, explains: “While researching the BBC archives for Kenny’s biography, it became clear that the music from those broadcasts was crucial to completing the portrait of Kenny as a composer. When we acquired Wheeler’s archives in 2012, we found many of these works stored in plastic bags and boxes retrieved from his attic.”
Smart, a close friend and collaborator of Wheeler, carefully curated the pieces for this project. Featured guest soloists include acclaimed trumpeters Ingrid Jensen, Brian Lynch, and Etienne Charles, alongside iconic figures from British and European jazz such as Norma Winstone and Evan Parker. The ensemble’s work was produced under the executive direction of Dave Douglas, a devoted admirer and friend of Wheeler.
For me, this album is both an essential document and a masterpiece. When you hear the passion with which each musician imbues their performance, the least one can do is place this recording among the ranks of “Indispensable Albums.”
Thierry De Clemensat
USA correspondent – Paris-Move and ABS magazine
Editor in chief Bayou Blue Radio, Bayou Blue News
PARIS-MOVE, January 15th 2025
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