Trumpeter and flugelhorn player Kenny Wheeler – an important figure in the development of  free improvisation in the UK – has died. He was 84.

Born in Toronto, the producer made Britain his adoptive home in the 1950s, and went on to establish himself as a key cog in late 20th century British jazz. Over the years, Wheeler played in ensembles with the likes of Anthony Braxton, Keith Jarrett, Evan Parker, Roscoe Mitchell and Derek Bailey. He was also a regular collaborator with David Sylvian, playing flugelhorn and trumpet on a number of his ‘80s and ‘90s albums.

Wheeler’s playing was known for its plaintive, melancholic bent, exemplified on his run of 1970s albums for ECM (of which 1975’s Gnu High is particularly highly regarded). He enjoyed further critical cache with a string of late-career releases in the 1990, including Angel Song alongside Bill Frisell, Dave Holland and Lee Konitz.