Flutter By, Butterfly
Kenny Wheeler · 1988
48 min · 6 tracks · jazz
A delicate interplay of avant-garde textures and lyrical melodies unfolds through intricate arrangements and nuanced improvisation.
Top tracks — play these first
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Everybody's Song but My Own — This opening track encapsulates the album's rich harmonic exploration and showcases Wheeler's lyrical trumpet lines interwoven with intricate ensemble passages.
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Flutter By, Butterfly — The title track stands out with its ethereal quality, featuring delicate textures that evoke a sense of flight and freedom, reflecting Wheeler's compositional finesse.
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Gigolo — This piece highlights a playful yet sophisticated interaction between rhythm and melody, revealing Wheeler's ability to blend humor with artistry in his compositions.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
InstrumentalThe album's intricate arrangements and improvisational depth create a distinctive listening experience.
What we noticed
- The album features intricate arrangements that blend avant-garde jazz with classical influences, creating a unique soundscape.
- Each track showcases extended improvisation sections, allowing musicians to explore themes and motifs in depth.
- The use of silence and space is prominent, with several moments where the music drops to a whisper before building back up.
- Composition 25% of the score
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8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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8/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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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
- lush melodies inviting introspection
- patient explorations of soundscapes
- improvisational moments spark curiosity
- evening relaxation with complex layers
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek fast-paced, energetic tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Upon the release of Flutter By, Butterfly, Kenny Wheeler was already an established figure in the jazz world, having garnered respect for his unique approach to composition and trumpet playing. This album came during a prolific phase for Wheeler, following his acclaimed work with notable artists and ensembles, and showcases his distinctive blend of jazz with chamber music influences.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Dave Holland· John Abercrombie· Evan Parker
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Everybody's Song but My Own 9:29
- 2 We Salute the Night 5:07
- 3 Miold Man 9:17
- 4 Flutter By, Butterfly 8:47
- 5 Gigolo 8:19
- 6 The Little Fella 7:14
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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