* En anglais uniquement
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