Who Are You? The Music Of Kenny Wheeler
TPR, 2023
8/10
Listen to Who Are You? The Music Of Kenny Wheeler
The British/Canadian bassist Duncan Hopkins pays homage to the legendary Kenny Wheeler across these 8 detailed pieces, where Reg Schwager, Ted Quinlan and Michel Lambert accompany him.
“Who Are You?” starts the listen with warm guitar and light drumming in the dreamy, glowing climate of melody, and “Foxy Trot” follows with a stylish energy that showcases a radiant guitar tone amid Hopkins’ skilled bass.
“Nicolette” lands in the middle and balances the meticulous nature with shimmering dynamics between the guitars, while “Mark Time” progresses with stunning finger acrobatics on guitar and frisky drumming from Lambert for the album’s best.
Near the end, The St. Catharines Suite exits with 3 chapters, where “Montebello” emits a stirring, lush appeal and “Salina St.” finishes with Schwager and Quinlan’s intricate guitars interacting with much care and illuminating the attentive rhythm section.
Hopkins sure does justice to Wheeler’s work, as each piece here carries a thorough and exciting interpretation that warrants repeated listens.
Travels well with: The Artie Roth Quartet- Resonants; Redline- Underdog