Home » Search Center » Results: Frank Wess

Results for "Frank Wess"

Article: Interview

The Newly Minted Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia

by Victor L. Schermer
January 7, 2014

The newly minted Jazz Orchestra of Philadelphia is an exciting, ambitious project co-founded by renowned trumpeter and Temple University educator Terell Stafford and intrepid jazz supporter Deena Adler, Odean Pope's manager. The Orchestra has already made waves in the Philly jazz community through its two performances in the Courtyard of City Hall, symbolizing its close connection ...

Article: Album Review

Frank Wess: Magic 201

Read "Magic 201" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky

by Dan Bilawsky
January 7, 2014

What a wonderful coda on an incredible life and career. Saxophonist/Flautist Frank Wess' final recordings--the critically acclaimed Magic 101 (IPO, 2013) and this follow-up, recorded two months after that album--speak to his brilliance and clarity as a melody maker and improviser. His wisdom and elegance come through in every note on both recordings. ...

Article: Year in Review

2013: The Year In Jazz

by Ken Franckling
January 3, 2014

The West Coast now has a jazz edifice of its own with strong roots, International Jazz Day grew in scope during year two, jazz made its mark on (and off) Broadway, and the number of musicians lost during the year was large and painful. Here's a look at significant happenings across the jazz world over the ...

Article: Album Review

Frank Wess: Magic 201

Read "Magic 201" reviewed by Dan McClenaghan

by Dan McClenaghan
January 1, 2014

Saxophonist Frank Wess was born in 1922. He played in Billy Ecstine's orchestra, after World War II interrupted his burgeoning career, and he played in Count Basie's band from 1953 to 1964. With those early experiences on his resume, the fact that he was a traditionalist in the mode of saxophonists Ben Webster, of Duke Ellington ...

Album

Magic 201

By Frank Wess

Label: IPO Recordings
Released: 2013
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.

Album

Magic 101

By Frank Wess

Label: IPO Recordings
Released: 2013
Track listing: Say It Isn’t So; The Very Thought of You; Pretty Lady; Come Rain or Come Shine; Easy Living; Blue Monk; All Too Soon.

Article: Profile

Edmar Castaneda: A World Of Music

by Ian Patterson
November 26, 2013

The harp may be the least common instrument in jazz/improvised music--even the humble kazoo gets more of a run out. Dating back over 5,000 years to ancient Mesopotamia, the harp in its various guises is common to nearly all cultures across the continents. Throughout Asia, Africa and Latin America the harp is an important element of ...

News: Obituary

Frank Wess, 91, Saxophonist and Flutist With the Basie Band, Dies

November 3, 2013

Frank Wess, who helped popularize the flute as a jazz instrument in the 1950s and ’60s with the Count Basie Orchestra, where he was also a standout saxophone soloist, died on Wednesday in Manhattan. He was 91. The cause was a heart attack related to kidney failure, said his longtime companion, Sara Tsutsumi. Mr. Wess was ...

News: Obituary

Frank Wess dies at 91; key player in major jazz ensembles

November 1, 2013

Though the saxophonist never became as famous as other musicians of his time, he was a force in making the flute a jazz instrument. Long before jazz pianist Billy Taylor became world-famous, he planned in high school to switch to saxophone. But then he heard the new kid in school—Frank Wess—play the horn. “He's the reason ...

News: Obituary

Frank Wess, January 4, 1922 - October 30, 2013

October 31, 2013

We have confirmation that Frank Wess died today. The flutist and saxophonist succumbed to kidney failure at 91. Wess played with undiminished spirit and creativity that kept him in the forefront of jazz soloists for decades after most of his contemporaries had retired or died. A professional from the age of 19, following service in World ...