A Long Time Ago

Kenny Wheeler, born in Toronto in 1930, was a Canadian composer and trumpeter who made the UK his musical home from the 1950s onwards. Wheeler's career spanned over six decades, during which he became one of the most influential figures in contemporary jazz. His music, which defied easy categorization, blended elements of free jazz, post-bop, and big band styles, reflecting his collaborations with a diverse range of musicians such as John Dankworth, Evan Parker, Dave Holland, and Keith Jarrett. Wheeler's distinctive sound and style, inspired by legends like Booker Little and Freddie Hubbard, made him a highly regarded figure in the London jazz scene by the 1960s. Throughout his career, Wheeler recorded over 25 albums as a bandleader and many more as a sideman, leaving behind a prolific body of work that continues to inspire jazz enthusiasts worldwide. His compositions and performances are celebrated for their depth, innovation, and emotional resonance, making Kenny Wheeler a true icon in the world of jazz.