Frank Wess has long been one of the most underrated flautists in jazz, but it's his primary instrument on this CD reissue of a Moodsville LP recorded in 1960. With fine accompaniment by piano master
Tommy Flanagan, bassist
Eddie Jones and drummer
Bobby Donaldson, the leader's lyrical chops are evident in
Alec Wilder's rarely performed ballad "It's So Peaceful in the Country." The light Latin setting of "Star Eyes" initially spotlights
Flanagan's elegant piano, with the rhythm switching gears as
Wess works his magic on flute.
Flanagan alone introduces the dreamy interpretation of "But Beautiful," while
Wess will melt any heart with his gorgeous flute solo.
Wess is best known for his swinging tenor saxophone, heard on the richly textured "Gone With the Wind," a spacious "Stella by Starlight" (which will rival any saxophonist's recording for pure beauty), as well as his bluesy original "Rainy Afternoon," with
Donaldson's light percussion possibly suggesting stepping in sidewalk puddles or windshield wipers clearing intermittent precipitation. Highly recommended.