Ken Wiley is a French horn player, composer and producer with a long and varied musical career. A graduate of the Manhattan School of Music in New York, he is now considered one of the top studio musicians in Los Angeles, and his impressive career highlights include appearances with Charlie Haden’s Liberation Music Orchestra and the Charlie Rouse Quintet. He’s also performed alongside bassists John Patitucci and Jimmy Johnson, as well as with guitarists Mike Miller and Grant Geissman.
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Ken Wiley’s “Cuerno Exotica” is the French horn player’s latest album. The release has the potential to change listeners’ perception of the French horn as they hear the instrument used in soundscapes that are pure jazz and Latin-infused. “Cuerno Exotica” is a mix of originals and cover tunes. Tracks like a version of Ravel’s “Bolero” and the original “Gato Magico” demonstrate the various moods that the French horn can be used to create.
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Ken Wiley's new album, Cuerno Exotica, is such a vessel for that kind of happiness with its dense, modern structure and superb musical performances. It's a magical balm for your stressful existence in every conceivable way.
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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.
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Taking 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.
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Amazing 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…
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The 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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