Gnu High (1976)

"Upon this release, Wheeler's ECM decut, he became a contemporary jazz figure to be admired. Playing the flugelhorn exclusively, Wheeler's mellifluous tones and wealth of ideas came to full fruition. Picking pianist Keith Jarrett, bassist Dave Holland and drummer Jack DeJohnette was a stroke of genius. They support the elongated and extended notions of Wheeler's in many real and important ways. "Heyoke", a nearly 22 minutes long lilting waltz, is atmospheric and soulful, turning more dramatic near the finish. It's all fueled by the reinvented swing of DeJohnette. Jarrett's pretty pianistics buoy Wheeler's notions in Zen inspired improvisations. "Gnu Suite" is similarly rendered. There's a plus-plus solo from Holland before the group merges into a floating and flowing discourse. Certainly this was an auspicious starting point for a magical performer whose sound and smarts captured the imagination of so many fellow musicians and listeners from this point onward." (Michael G. Nastos, Allmusic)