Frank Wess
One of the first major jazz flutists, Frank Wess was also a top Lester Young-influenced tenor man, an expert first altoist, and an occasional composer/arranger -- certainly a valuable man to have around. Early on he toured with Blanche Calloway, served in the military, and had stints with the Billy Eckstine Orchestra (1946), Eddie Heywood, Lucky Millinder, and R&B star Bull Moose Jackson. That was all just a prelude to Wess' important period with Count Basie's big band, from 1953-1964. His flute playing, so expertly utilized in Neal Hefti's arrangements, gave the Basie Orchestra a fresh new sound, and his cool-toned tenor contrasted well with the more passionate sound of fellow tenor Frank Foster; Wess also had opportunities to play alto with the classic big band. Wess subsequently freelanced in countless settings, playing with Clark Terry's big band, the New York Jazz Quartet (with Roland Hanna) during the second half of the 1970s, Dameronia (1981-1985), and Toshiko Akiyoshi's big band, and also had occasional reunions with Frank Foster. Frank Wess led sessions for Commodore (1954), Savoy, Prestige, Moodsville, Pablo (with Foster), Progressive, Uptown, Concord, and Town Crier. He died of a heart attack at the age of 91 in Manhattan on October 30, 2013.
© Scott Yanow /TiVo
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Frank Wess meets the Paris-Barcelona swing connection
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 1 Jan 1992
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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In a Minor Groove
Contemporary Jazz - Released by Music Manager on 6 Apr 2014
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The Frank Wess Quartet
Jazz - Released by Hallmark on 24 Jan 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Four Classic Albums (Opus in Swing / Wheelin' & Dealin' / After Hours / Southern Comfort)
Jazz - Released by Avid Entertainment on 27 Apr 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Wess Point
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 25 Jan 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Hail to the Chief! Butch Miles Salutes Count Basie
Jazz - Released by Progressive on 29 Feb 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Opus in Swing (Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Avid Entertainment on 4 May 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Jazz 4 Life (Digitally Remastered)
Jazz - Released by The Blue Mile Records on 19 Jul 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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In High Profile
Bebop - Released by Squatty Roo Records on 7 Oct 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Jazz After Midnight
Jazz - Released by Silver Classics Jazz on 8 May 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Trombones Featuring Frank Wess (Album of 1956)
Jazz - Released by Jazz Classics on 9 Sep 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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After Hours (Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Avid Entertainment on 4 May 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
North, South, East, Wess and No Count
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 1 Jun 2012
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Feliz Navidad y próspero Año Nuevo de Frank Wess
Jazz - Released by Amamos la navidad on 20 Oct 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -