The Independent, Jan. 01, 2006 - Rated 5/5

Title
Kenny Wheeler: What Now?

Author
Phil Johnson

This exquisite set of eight original compositions by the non-pareil flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler has deservedly been nominated for a Grammy. Recorded in New York with the superstar quartet of Chris Potter on tenor sax alongside longstanding partners Dave Holland (double bass) and John Taylor (piano), the tunes follow the airy and bittersweet measures of the mature Wheeler style towards hard-won resolutions of often incandescent beauty. The interplay of flugel and sax is particularly pliant, while Taylor’s introduction to the final track, “Verona”, is worthy of a Grammy all by itself.