In the wake of Drake sampling a track, “The Tunnel”, from Azimuth, the ECM label is about to reissue the 1977 John Taylor/Norma Winstone/Kenny Wheeler album on vinyl as part of their Luminessence series, with an updated sleeve note. Pre-ordering starts on Monday 15 January and release date is 1 March.
Here is the announcement which is about to appear on the ECM website:
(begins) “John Taylor/Norma Winstone/Kenny Wheeler
Azimuth
Norma Winstone: voice; Kenny Wheeler: trumpet, flugelhorn; John Taylor: piano, synthesizer
ECM 1099
“Recorded in 1977 and now reissued in ECM’s audiophile Luminessence vinyl series, the debut album of the Azimuth trio was truly ahead of its time. Formed by adding Canadian-born trumpeter Kenny Wheeler to the British duo of pianist John Taylor and vocalist Norma Winstone, the group’s futuristic musical palette embraced hypnotic, minimalistic pulse patterns, otherworldly synthesizer sounds, songs, collective improvisation and solo flights.
“In recent seasons, the number of listeners under Azimuth’s sway has grown exponentially, as the music has adapted itself to new contexts. And the vast international audience that has heard fragments of Azimuth’s “The Tunnel” as part of a major rap hit in 2023 can now discover the original in its pristine form, still magical after all these years – as is the whole album. Produced by Manfred Eicher, this new edition with gatefold sleeve adds liner notes detailing Azimuth’s story.” (ends)
