From Julius Watkins to Arkady Shilkloper - the French horn already has its own, albeit rather short history in jazz. A small group of leading jazz horns continues to strengthen the traditions of this instrument, each in its own style. Belonging to this group and living in Los Angeles is American horn player, Ken Wiley.
Read MoreTaking things you wouldn't imagine south of the border (like classical), the jazz French horn player and his pals make a wonderful listening date that's so captivating it's easy to see how his chops can take him from playing with Charlie Haden to Grant Geissman with loads of impressive stops along the way.
Read MoreAmazing French Horn led Latin jazz Ken Wiley – CUERNO EXOTICA: As I pointed out in my review of Ken’s “Jazz Horn Redux” album (not too long ago), it’s rare (for me, anyway) to hear a jazz band that’s led by a French Horn; it’s even more rare to hear it in the context of great (and very well-performed) Latin jazz…
Read MoreThe title of Ken Wiley’s melodically and rhythmically inviting new album translates to “Exotic Horn” – but his lead voice is not an instrument, like trumpet, flugelhorn or saxophone, that we normally associate with the kind of sultry, soulful and romantic Latin jazz he’s playing here with esteemed cohorts like Mark Leggett (acoustic guitar) and Dan Higgins (flute and sax).
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