The first release of a 1995 studio session, produced by Evan Parker. The Kenny Wheeler Sextet includes Ray Warleigh, Stan Sulzmann, John Parricelli, Chris Laurence and Tony Levin.

Evan Parker instigated four recording sessions with Kenny Wheeler and members of this sextet between 1995 and 2003, with a compilation of Wheeler’s compositions from these sessions issued on Dream Sequence (2003); the only sextet track on Dream Sequence, “Kind Folk”, was taken from the 1995 session which is presented in full here for the first time. What Was includes compositions by Wheeler, Ray Warleigh, Stan Sulzmann, Mike Pyne and Lee Konitz.

From Nick Smart’s sleeve notes:

“Any previously unreleased studio session from a great artist is an exciting prospect, especially an artist sadly no longer with us but one whose legacy is still being cared for and curated by many of the musicians with whom they were closest. Such is the case with this outstanding recording from Kenny Wheeler’s sextet at Gateway Studio in late 1995, capturing a special period in his life with a special group of colleagues.

On What Was we hear Kenny at 65 years old and still at the height of his musical powers, but with the mature finesse and refinement consistent with all his playing during the nineties and particularly on his most successful recording of all time, made just a few months after this session in February 1996, Angel Song (ECM).

This period is perhaps a kind of ‘second chapter’ in the evolution of his playing; after the fiery Wheeler of the 1970s we hear him now still full of passion and every bit as assured, but with the more reflective, glass-like quality that refined itself into his sound and self-expression around this time. In addition to that, this new release also brings together many of the people deeply connected with Kenny and his musical world throughout his entire career.

It’s another treasure in the important legacy of a much missed, and irreplaceable musician.”

Nick Smart’s sleeve notes can be read in full here.

“… as vital and immediate as anything already in the extended canon of Canadian-born, UK-based jazz master Kenny Wheeler.”
— Paris-Move

Kenny Wheeler, flugelhorn
Ray Warleigh, alto saxophone and flute
Stan Sulzmann, tenor saxophone
John Parricelli, guitar
Chris Laurence, bass
Tony Levin, drums

Recorded September 29, 1995
Gateway Studio, Kingston
Engineer: Steve Lowe
Producer: Evan Parker
Mastering, 2025: Filipe Gomes at Arco Barco, Ramsgate
Photographs: Caroline Forbes

Sleeve notes by Nick Smart, Stan Sulzmann, Chris Laurence, John Parricelli & Evan Parker

Kenny Wheeler (1930 – 2014) was a highly influential contemporary Jazz composer and trumpet / flugelhorn player. Born in Canada and based in the UK from 1952, his compositions and performances were often rooted in jazz, but he was also active in free improvisation (eg alongside John Stevens, Evan Parker, Dave Holland and Derek Bailey) and contributed to rock recordings (eg David Sylvian).

CDs ordered from False Walls and Bandcamp are mailed from the UK. Other places where you can find or order False Walls CDs are shown here.

Physical/digital release: April 17, 2026
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