Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

January 14, 1930 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Death

:

September 18, 2014 in London, England

Genre

:

Symphony

 

Kenny Wheeler was a Canadian-born jazz trumpeter, flugelhornist, and composer who was known for his unique style of playing and composing. He was born on January 14, 1930, in Toronto, Canada, and grew up in a musical family. His father was a piano tuner, and his mother was a singer, so music was always a part of his life. Wheeler started playing the trumpet at a young age and quickly showed a talent for the instrument. He studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and later moved to England to study at the Royal Academy of Music in London. While in London, he became involved in the jazz scene and started playing with some of the top musicians of the time. In the 1960s, Wheeler became a member of the John Dankworth Orchestra and later joined the band of another jazz legend, Stan Kenton. He also played with other notable musicians such as Anthony Braxton, Dave Holland, and Keith Jarrett. Wheeler's style of playing was characterized by his use of extended techniques, such as multiphonics and circular breathing, which allowed him to create a unique sound on his instrument. He was also known for his ability to blend different genres of music, such as jazz and classical, into his compositions. One of Wheeler's most notable works is his album "Gnu High," which was released in 1975. The album features a mix of jazz and classical influences and includes some of his most famous compositions, such as "Heyoke" and "Gnu Suite." In the 1980s, Wheeler became a member of the ECM Records label and released several albums under their banner. One of his most famous works from this period is "Deer Wan," which was released in 1977. The album features a mix of jazz and classical influences and includes some of his most famous compositions, such as "Deer Wan" and "Foxy Trot." Wheeler continued to compose and perform throughout his career, and his music has been recognized with numerous awards and honors. In 1997, he was awarded the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest honors, for his contributions to music. Sadly, Wheeler passed away on September 18, 2014, at the age of 84. However, his legacy lives on through his music, which continues to inspire and influence musicians around the world.

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