About

The notoriously self-critical trumpeter Kenny Wheeler maintained that Deer Wan (recorded 1976) was his favourite among his own albums (“I like the overall form of this one best”). A tremendous band plays Wheeler’s tunes here. Kenny and Jan Garbarek sing together gloriously on the themes, and intermingle lines. The “Gateway” trio of John Abercrombie, Dave Holland and Jack DeJohnette drives the music with great verve. Guest Ralph Towner adds his distinctive 12-string guitar to a lilting Wheeler waltz.

Initially published in January 1978, vinyl is reissued in October 2016 as audiophile pressing taken from the original analog tapes. – Press Release

“Among Kenny Wheeler’s cleverly punned titles, Deer Wan takes the cake. For his second ECM album as headliner, the prodigious trumpeter/fluegelhornist serves up a set of four originals—three long and one short—sure to enliven any morning routine or Sunday afternoon alike. The top-shelf cast reads like a who’s who of ECM’s best and brightest: Jan Garbarek on saxophones, John Abercrombie on electrics, Dave Holland on bass, Ralph Towner on his ever-present 12-string, and Jack DeJohnette at the drums. Wrap this in the splendid engineering of Jan Erik Kongshaug and you get unquestionable sonic bliss.

The 16.5-minute “Peace For Five” is an album in itself and provides an ideal launching pad for Wheeler’s astonishing lyricism. A somber aside from Holland and not-so-somber acrobatics from Abercrombie and Garbarek all contribute to a richly flowing tapestry in this epic opener…

Deer Wan is an unsung masterpiece of smooth jazz with just enough sharp edges to leave an unforgettable scar or two. A most endearing album for those who like a shot of whiskey in their musical coffee.” – ECM Reviews

FEATURED ARTISTS

Kenny Wheeler   Trumpet, Flugelhorn

Jan Garbarek   Tenor Saxophone, Soprano Saxophone

John Abercrombie   Electric Guitar, Electric Mandolin

Dave Holland   Double-Bass

Jack DeJohnette   Drums

Ralph Towner   12-String Guitar

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