What makes Double, Double You by Kenny Wheeler notable?

'Double, Double You' is notable for its innovative blend of chamber jazz and avant-garde elements, contributing to the genre's expansion during the 1980s. It received positive reviews from critics, highlighting Wheeler's compositional prowess and the album's intricate arrangements, which influenced subsequent artists within the avant-garde jazz movement. When Kenny Wheeler released 'Double, Double You' in 1984, he was already an established figure in the jazz scene, known for his unique flugelhorn style and compositions. This album followed his critically acclaimed works, showcasing his continued evolution as a composer and bandleader, and further solidifying his reputation in avant-garde jazz.

How many songs are on Double, Double You?

Double, Double You has 4 tracks, running approximately 49 minutes.

Double, Double You

Kenny Wheeler · 1984

49 min · 4 tracks · jazz

Intricate melodies intertwine with ethereal textures, creating a mesmerizing soundscape that pushes the boundaries of jazz.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Foxy Trot — This opening track is a captivating journey through various musical landscapes, showcasing Wheeler's ability to balance structure with free improvisation. Its extended length allows for deep exploration of motifs and themes.
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Mabel — A more concise piece that contrasts with the album's longer tracks, 'Mabel' highlights Wheeler's lyrical flugelhorn playing and features delicate interplay among the ensemble members. Its melodic beauty stands out amid the complexity of the album.
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Three for D'Reen / Blue for Lou / Mark Time — This sprawling suite exemplifies Wheeler's knack for thematic development and fluid transitions between different moods. It encapsulates the essence of the album's avant-garde spirit while providing a showcase for each musician's talents.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental

65 /100

Treeline

Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album's intricate compositions and unique textures create a distinctive sound within the jazz genre.

What we noticed

Each track showcases a different instrumental texture, with the flugelhorn frequently leading while other instruments provide intricate counterpoints.
The final track is a medley that transitions between three distinct themes, highlighting the improvisational nature of the ensemble.

Composition 25% of the score: 8/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 4/10

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.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

1 Foxy Trot 14:08
2 Mabel 3:54
3 W.W. 7:51
4 Three for D'Reen / Blue for Lou / Mark Time 23:26

What to play next

Listen next

Gigolo

1986

Go back to

Around 6

1980

Full Kenny Wheeler discography Artists like Kenny Wheeler

avant-garde jazz chamber jazz

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata