Just heard that Frank Wess died on October 30 aged 91. Really sad news. Who can forget the Basie concerts and records featuring Frank on alto, tenor or flute. The Atomic Mr Basie, regarded by many as the greatest big band recording ever, certainly deserves it's acclaim not least because of Frank Wess' alto feature on Fantail. He later switched to tenor and also became known for his increasing fluency on flute. His flute playing was particularly outstanding on another classic Basie track - Midgets. The Happy Cats by the Joe Newman Sextet was another where his fluting was well featured..
Most of us "of a certain age" will remember the days when the Basie Band played Newcastle City Hall or the Odeon at least once, maybe twice a year, and of course Frank Wess was in the saxes on many of those tours.
Sadly missed by all who heard him either live or on record.
R.I.P.
Lance.
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