jazzmatazz | upcoming | recent | reviews | books | links | musicians | labels | sale list | stores | philly jazz
previous review | reviews home | next review
Of course
I was also interested in seeing pianist
The trio was in Philadelphia at Chris' Jazz Cafe for two nights and played three sets each night; I stayed for the first set and part of the second on the Friday night show.
The trio played Copland's "Dark Territory," and "When We Met" and Kern's "Yesterdays" in the first set.
(I didn't catch the name of the opening number.)
Wheeler stayed on flugelhorn on the first set, but switched to trumpet later. This was the first time that I've seen Wheeler live and it was a pleasure. Although somewhat subdued, his playing was strong and melodic with a very expressive, beautiful tone. He occasionally made some slight bends in his notes that sent a chill down my spine.
During the break I spoke briefly to Copland, who seemed very nice. He mentioned that their new CD on Challenge (titled That's For Sure) was supposed to be out by now, but has been pushed back to 3/1/2002. This is the group's only U.S. appearance this year, but they may tour again next Spring (after the album's released). Copland had a few copies with him. I've heard that Wheeler is quite shy. He did speak quietly to a few people, but I left him alone.
The second set opened with a strange, angular piano introduction that turned into a standard. (Possibly "How Deep Is The Ocean.") After the trio joined in, they did some soloing where they traded eights before going into the melody. There was a nice part where Copland comped while Wheeler and Abercrombie simultaneously played improvisations on the melody.
They then went into the Abercrombie tune "Spring Song." Copland said the tune was a waltz for Abercrombie's cat. Wheeler took a solo with some nice comping by Abercrombie where he played with both hands on the fret board. Copland also had a nice solo where he showed some Evans influence, but with a more percussive attack.
The John Abercrombie tune "That's For Sure" started with a guitar solo that seemed to have a bit of "Red River Valley" in it. Abercrombie got a bit more exuberant and expressive on his solo.
On Kenny Wheeler's "Number 114," Wheeler switched to trumpet. There was a pretty segment where the guitar and piano played the same line underneath the trumpet part.
My only problem was that smoke and noise started to build up during the second set. Other than that, it was an excellent concert.
— Alan Lankin, December 2001
please send comments to jazzmatazz@att.net
last update 12 December 2001