Customer Reviews

Widow in the Window

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Wheeler never writes twisty technical puzzles, yet his harmonies are always novel and give forth beautiful melodies and improvisations. Here, as in so many other of his albums, he balances a thoroughly unique instrumental voice - sounding like no one - with polished, swinging, emotionally candid and true-to-his-own-spirit sound. No one who appreciates grade-A playing, the candor of Miles in a unique voice, technical mastery in serice of music and feeling, fully realized composititons and a telepathic band can resist this. There is nothing not to like, except it ain't as "cool" or "hip" as the wannabees may want - it swings like mad, but it is openly "sensitive' - wears its heart on its sleeve, as Wheeler always does. But this is, for me, jazz that sets ths standard for what jazz must be These are the new standards.

Music of simultaneous introspection and existential fortitude is rare in any genre. The fact that it is so well achieved on this album amid such fervent improvisation is nothing short of astounding. Kenny Wheeler's compositions and his fluent yet fragile trumpet and fluegelhorn phrases plumb the depths of human frailty and still leave the listener with the overwhelming assurance that all is well with the world. Considering how the other musicians find so much improvisational space amid compositions of such specific mood elevates "The Widow" to classic status. A must for those who value jazz for more than just the technical prowess of players.

Words fall short to describe this album and must be very carefully chosen if one is doing an attempt. This album definitely changed my life and my view on what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance and great talent. It gave me a reference and maybe a mission I can relate to. Probably it's best to describe this album in non-musical terms to prevent me from falling into the trap of using all the clichés already written down millions of times. To me it's like the most-beautiful diamond I've ever seen that has gone through a process of cutting and polishing by the best diamond cutter in the world. Everybody with an eye for its beauty will be hit deeply by its high quality and sheer beauty and will become silent. It will change your life forever and you will never forget it.

For a lover of Miles, Coltrane, "Kind of Blue," and everything else that makes one think of "classic" jazz, this album was a truly remarkable find. It's now at the top of my list - even after listening to it so much (heck, probably more than a hundred times) in the last month.

Kenny Wheeler has what so many jazz artists have lacked in the last 30+ years: a truly unique, personal voice. What I hear in his music is a tasteful blend of "Kind of Blue" Miles, just enough bebop, and a bit more modern harmonies that are both hip and beautiful. His compositions have a unique style of their own as well - the 24 bar melodies come to mind.

There's great soloing by all of the musicians here. If you like it straight ahead, try this album out.

My favourite CD, ever. Very rarely has a jazz quintet played with such inspiration, depth and interplay. Beautiful compositions by Kenny Wheeler (his concept of "de-composing", illustrated in the booklet, is really appealing!), astonishing solos, incredible rhythm section. Dave Holland (bass) performs at his best (listen to him in "Ana"), John Abercrombie (guitar) is a real volcano, and it's incredible how many colors Peter Erskine can put in just a single touch of his cymbals. John Taylor (piano) is marvellous, and Kenny's flugelhorn solos are the perfect expression of a talented player who adsorbed the lessons of the past and has created a unique style. "The Widow in the Window" (Kenny loves puns!) is a must-have, not only for the jazz listeners. It's Music, simply.

On this CD you will find 5 of the best jazz musicians around, at the peak of their powers. The solos are, without exception, breathtaking and Wheeler's compositions can be as intense as they are melodic and still swing. I am not one given easily to overstatement but this is a true classic and deserves all the plaudits it gets. It's a delight from start to finish.

This album cannot be overrated as it is such a beautiful masterpiece, Music with a capital M, not just for jazz lovers, but for everyone who wants to be touched by Beauty. The combination of music, musicians and sound quality is breathtaking: no favorites can be picked as all songs are gems. If you can listen to this without being moved, tear up your donor card: they cannot transplant hearts of stone! (free after the Penguin Jazz Guide)

It's a little inconsistent, but overall this is one of the best albums I've ever heard. (Most of) the writing is incredible, and the solos are amazing. In particular, Dave Holland and Peter Erskine could not be better! Are they twins? How else could they sound like a single 4-handed 2-instrumented musician?

Note: This CD contains the single greatest moment in music history. Listen to "Hotel Le Hot," Kenny's solo, the last half of the second chorus....

Kenny Wheeler brings to Jazz the best of each rich component we admire in the music. To me, its as if Miles Davies said to Mr Wheeler carry the batton and push the way the trumpet contributes to jazz music. Mr Wheeler also surrounds himself with brilliance for accompanyment and his compositions are highly original. Overall this CD as well as Deer Wan are two of my all time favourites.