Azimuth

Azimuth is a consistently intriguing trio consisting of British singer Norma Winstone, her husband John Taylor on piano and trumpeter Kenny Wheeler, each of whom are versatile enough to play in styles ranging from standards to free improvisations. Winstone was born in London, where she learned piano and organ and began singing in clubs at 17. She worked with Michael Garrick, Mike Westbrook, John Surman, Michael Gibbs and John Taylor, whom she married in 1972. In addition, she has recorded and/or performed with Jimmy Rowles (writing the lyrics to his “The Peacocks”), Lee Konitz, Fred Hersch, John Abercrombie, Dave Holland and others. Taylor was part of the late 1960s British avant-garde jazz scene, playing with Surman and Alan Skidmore. Taylor has recorded many sets for ECM and his playing, a bit reminiscent of Keith Jarrett’s, has been featured with Cleo Laine, Miroslav Vitous, the Ronnie Scott Quintet, Jan Garbarek, Enrico Rava, Gil Evans, Lee Konitz and Kenny Wheeler, in addition to his own trios. Wheeler, a brilliant trumpeter, has also been heard in both hard bop and free jazz settings. Born in Canada, he began on the trumpet at 12 and moved to England in 1952, at age 22. He worked with John Dankworth’s orchestra during 1959-65, John Stevens’ Spontaneous Music Ensemble (1966-70), the Mike Gibbs Orchestra (1969-75), Tony Oxley’s sextet (1969-72), the Anthony Braxton Quartet and the Dave Holland Quintet. Wheeler has otherwise been heard mostly as a leader. Azimuth was formed by Winstone, Taylor and Wheeler in 1977, recording two albums for ECM during 1977-78. They have had occasional reunions since then, resulting in three recordings.