A Long Time Ago
Kenny Wheeler · 1999
63 min · 7 tracks · jazz
A rich tapestry of improvisational textures intertwines with haunting melodies, evoking a sense of poignant nostalgia and introspective reflection.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Long Time Ago Suite — This expansive 31-minute piece serves as the album's centerpiece, seamlessly blending diverse musical ideas ranging from lyrical melodies to complex improvisations that reflect Wheeler's unique voice.
-
→
Ballad for a Dead Child — This track stands out for its poignant emotional depth, utilizing sparse instrumentation to convey a profound sense of loss and reflection that resonates throughout the album.
-
→
Gnu Suite — Offering a compelling mix of intricate rhythms and melodic lines, this piece exemplifies Wheeler's skill in merging classical motifs with jazz sensibilities, highlighting his innovative compositional techniques.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's ambitious structure and rich textures create a unique listening experience within the jazz genre.
What we noticed
- The title suite spans 31 minutes and features multiple sections that shift between orchestral textures and free improvisation.
- Each track varies in length, with some like 'Ballad for a Dead Child' being concise while others extend into more exploratory territory.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sprawling reflective soundscapes
- patient exploration of themes
- immersive long-form compositions
- introspective moments of calm
Maybe skip if you
- seeking immediate gratification
- prefers concise standalone tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- By the time 'A Long Time Ago' was released in 1999, Kenny Wheeler was already an esteemed figure in jazz, having established his reputation through collaborations with prominent artists such as Keith Jarrett and Carla Bley. This album marked a continuation of his exploration into avant-garde and chamber jazz, showcasing his evolving compositional style while building on the foundation laid by earlier works like 'Gnu High' (1975).
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dave Holland· John Abercrombie· Evan Parker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Long Time Ago Suite 31:53
- 2 One Plus Three (Version 1) 2:20
- 3 Ballad for a Dead Child 5:58
- 4 Eight Plus Three / Alice My Dear 8:30
- 5 Going for Baroque 3:21
- 6 Gnu Suite 9:23
- 7 One Plus Three (Version 2) 2:22
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.