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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Live Through This
Jazz - Released by LTT brothers music on 15 Jul 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Little Plain Gold Ring
Jazz - Released by plain gold ring on 21 Apr 2023
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
The 12 Days of Christmas with Frank Wess
Jazz - Released by All I Have To Do Is Dream on 2 Dec 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Essential Jazz Masters
Bebop - Released by Master Classics Records on 1 May 2011
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Nightingale
Jazz - Released by oldies and hits for future on 18 May 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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The Happy Cats
Jazz - Released by Fresh Sound Records on 8 Dec 2016
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Jazz Legacy (The Jazz Legends)
Jazz - Released by Sandstone on 21 Feb 2014
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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Wheelin' & Dealin' (Remastered)
Jazz - Released by Avid Entertainment on 4 Nov 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Wheelin' & Dealin'
Frank Wess, John Coltrane, Paul Quinichette, Mal Waldron, Doug Watkins
Jazz - Released by Music Manager on 4 Nov 2022
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Blue Skies
Jazz - Released by Black & Partner Licenses LLC on 11 Apr 2019
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
Jazz Collection (Original Recordings)
Jazz - Released by Jazz Dog Records on 3 Apr 2020
16-Bit CD Quality 44.1 kHz - Stereo -
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