Remembering Ian Wheeler

Ian Wheeler was one of Trad Jazz's outstanding clarinet players yet remains something of an unsung hero. He first came to public notice as a member of Ken Colyer's Jazzmen which he joined in 1955 replacing Acker Bilk. This was what was known as Colyer's "Classic line-up". He had already developed a distinctive sound and superb inventiveness. He left Colyer to briefly form the Sims-Wheeler Vintage Jazz Band with trumpeter Ken Sims before being asked to join Chris Barber's band to replace the legendary Monty Sunshine. He was with Barber for 27 years. He took a brief break in the middle to co-lead Hefty Jazz with Keith Smith. This double-for-the-price-of-one compilation includes tracks with the various bands he played in plus a few projects he undertook. The musicians include Ken Colyer, Chris Barber, Rod Mason, Acker Bilk, Sammy Rimington and Dick Wellstood. Many of the tracks are previously unissued.