Tuesday, September 26, 2017

Frank Wess - Seven Classic Albums II.

Monday Stroll:
Although the original LP was reissued under guitarist Kenny Burrell's name, it was originally led by Frank Wess, who is heard doubling on flute and tenor. With the assistance of Burrell, rhythm guitarist Freddie Green, bassist Eddie Jones and either Kenny Clarke or Gus Johnson on drums, Wess is in excellent form on a set very reminiscent (not too surprisingly considering the personnel) of the Count Basie band. Wess contributed four of the songs, Burrell brought in "Southern Exposure" and the quintet also plays "Over the Rainbow" and the obscure "Woolafunt's Lament." This is a fine straightahead date, with Wess's flute taking solo honors. - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Just as Kenny Burrell began his highly prolific career recording for Blue Note and the Prestige label in 1957, he managed to put out this successful and basic model of light, gentle swinging as he teamed up with multi reeds virtuoso Frank Wess to create this special, breezy stroke of camaraderie. What would become his only solo album for the Savoy label, Monday Stroll would highly showcase a nice blend of flute and guitar artistry backed with a rhythm section providing the chirpy support that made it a refreshing success as the quintet play with fluidity where Wess doubles on flute and the occasional tenor saxophone while master drummer Kenny Clarke and a local Detroit bassist gradually sits in rather well in unique style. Featuring mostly great original compositions penned by Wess and Burrell, the music gets off on a straight “up” tone on the title track as it proceeds with merriment on other extended numbers like Wess’ relaxed ballad East Wind, West Side, Southern Exposure, the standard classic Over The Rainbow, as well as the final track Kansas City Style. Although Monday Stroll was released under Burrell’s name, it was headed by Wess for whom he got equal billing—he would even play tenor saxophone on Woolafunt’s Holiday, where Burrell demonstrates the mutually intuitive responsiveness that he and Wess had). Also added to the chemistry are guitarist Freddie Green on rhythm guitar and fellow session drummer is featured on two tracks, as this band bring us the mellow magic that made an instant success, which will maintain it’s high point with unforgettable results. - by RH, Amazon.com

After Hours:
A leaderless sextet jams on four of pianist Mal Waldron's originals. The performances range from eight to 12 minutes apiece. The all-star lineup -- trumpeter Thad Jones, Frank Wess on tenor and flute, guitarist Kenny Burrell, Waldron, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Art Taylor -- is in fine form on the straight-ahead material. Bop fans will want to pick this up. - by Scott Yanow, AMG

Artist: Frank Wess
Album: Seven Classic Albums (Disc 2)
Year: 1956-1957 (Savoy Records, Prestige Records)
Label: Real Gone Jazz (Digitally Remastered, 2013)
Runtime: 63:57

Tracks:
Monday Stroll (1957)
1.  Monday Stroll (Frank Wess) 4:22
2.  East Wind (Kenny Burrell) 5:14
3.  Wess Side (Frank Wess) 5:02
4.  Southern Exposure (Kenny Burrell) 6:50
5.  Woolafunts Lament (Frank Wess) 7:06
6.  Over the Rainbow (Harold Arlen / E.Y. "Yip" Harburg) 6:01
7.  Kansas City Life (Frank Wess) 8:31
After Hours (1957)
1.  Steamin' (Mal Waldron) 9:28
2.  Blue Jelly (Mal Waldron) 11:26

Personnel:
Frank Wess (Tenor Saxophone, Alto Saxophone, Flute)
Kenny Burrell (Guitar)
Eddie Jones (Double Bass) - 1-7
Freddie Green (Rhythm Guitar) - 1-7
Gus Johnson (Drums) - 1,5
Kenny Clarke (Drums) - 2-4,6,7
Mal Waldron (Piano) - 8-9
Thad Jones (Trumpet) - 8-9
Paul Chambers (Double Bass) - 8-9
Art Taylor (Drums) - 8-9

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