Kenny Wheeler

Trumpeter, composer, bandleader, inspiration, Kenny Wheeler remains an immense figure in jazz.

When he left the jazz planet in September last year after a creative life stretching over six decades, he left an extraordinary musical legacy with an international resonance, touching the heart and soul of audiences and fellow musicians of successive generations worldwide, with his gorgeous sound and melodic grace.

Kenny occupied a special Jazz Festival place in recent years, with both big band and his final, acclaimed small band, tonight’s concert responds on the intimate qualities that he brought to his music, with contributions from close friends and kindred spirits, amongst them Dave Holland, Evan Parker, Norma Winstone, Ralph Towner and the three of the last quintet's members, Chris Laurence, John Parricelli, Martin France.