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Frank Wess: Magic 201
IPO Records has become the jazz destination for seasoned jazz veterans. Saxophonist
James Moody (19252010) recorded his last two releases for the label:
Moody 4A (2009) and
Moody 4B (2010). Hard on Moody's heels is saxophonist
Frank Wess (1922- -2013) who followed his
Magic 101 (2013) with the predictable titled
Magic 201. Pianist
Kenny Barron and drummer
Winard Harper hold over from the previous recording, augmented by bassist
Rufus Reid and guitarist
Russell Malone.
Six standards and two Wess originals fill out the recording taped in 2011. The performances are relaxed, reflecting a long life of music making. "It Could Happen to You" and "Embraceable You" are the apex of grace and swing. Wess goes solo on flute for "The Summer Knows," giving a master's class on space and time in performance. Wess waxes gut bucket on his "Blues for Ruby" a song complete with Russell Malone getting his
Chuck Berry on and ends on the breezy foreshadowing of "If It's the Last Thing I Do."
Magic 201 is effortless and excellent in every way.
Track Listing
It Could Happen to You; A Cottage for Sale; After Paris; The Summer
Knows; Embraceable You; Blues for Ruby; If You Can't Call, Don't Come;
If It's the Last Thing I Do.
Personnel
Frank Wess: tenor saxophone, flute; Kenny Barron: piano; Russell
Malone: guitar; Rufus Reid: bass; Winard Harper: drums.
Album information
Title: Magic 201
| Year Released: 2014
| Record Label: IPO Recordings
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