Backgrounder: Frank Rosolino - Frankly Speaking

In 1954, as the recording industry expanded to meet increased demand, Stan Kenton was keen on retaining key members of his orchestra. Many of these top artists were restless to make names for themselves and lead recording sessions. To keep them in the fold, Kenton launched an album series for Capitol under the banner “Stan Kenton Presents." The series gave exceptional members of his musical family exactly what they wanted while still branding the recordings with his name and helping sales.

One of these artists was trombonist Frank Rosolino, whose assertive, crisp and fleshy horn was signature and hip. Rosolino's first album for Stan Kenton Presents featured a sextet arranged by Bill Holman and was recorded in March 1954. The album was simply called Frank Rosolino.

Rosolio's second album in the series was Frankly Speaking. Recorded in May 1955, it showcased a quintet culled mostly from the Kenton band—Frank Rosolino (tb), Charlie Mariano (as), Walter Norris (p), Max Bennett (b) and Stan Levey (d). Bill Holman arranged 9 of the 11 spirited songs (and composed several) with Mariano composing and arranging the remaining two.

For me, Frankly Speaking was the trombonist's finest record, though the first one is quite good, too. Fans also should check out Max Bennett Quintet on Bethlehem, recorded in January 1955, with Frank Rosolino (tb), Charlie Mariano (as), Claude Williamson (p), Max Bennett (b), Stan Levey (d) and Helen Carr signing on two tracks.

The Frankly Speaking tracks (all arranged by Bill Holman except as noted):

• Frenesi
• Rhythm Rascals (Charlie Mariano arr)
• Moonlight in Vermont
• The Missus
• There Is No You
• Our Delight
• Now I Lay Me Down to Dream of You
• Taps Miller 
• Slan (Mariano arr)
• Stairway to the Stars
• The Kingfish


Here's the complete Frankly Speaking without ad interruptions...