Azimuth

Not to be confused with the Brazilian jazz / funk group Azymuth, this British trio was formed in 1977 on the initiative of ECM label founder Manfred Eicher. Comprised of pianist John Taylor, his wife, singer Norma Winstone, and Canadian trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, Azimuth 1977 self-titled debut album featured long improvisations such as the title track and "Tunnel.” Celebrated by jazz critics, this debut was followed by The Touchstone (1979) and Départ (1980), featuring American guitarist Ralph Towner. Back in the studio a few years later, the trio recorded Azimuth '85 (1985), before a decade-long hiatus interrupted by the release of the group's fifth and final original album, How It Was Then... Never Again (1995). Having broken up in the early 2000s, Azimuth left a deep mark on critics and jazz fans alike, as evidenced by their recognition by DJ and producer Floating Points, who selected the track "Tunnel" as one of his favorites in the mix compilation Light Night Tales (2019). Kenny Wheeler's death on September 18, 2014, at the age of 84 was followed by that of John Taylor, on July 17, 2015, at the age of 72. Reissued in 2024, the debut album Azimuth reached number 24 in the UK jazz and blues charts.

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