RIP Frank, as well as the other giants in this video from the Basie band. I'm so honored to have played w/Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Grover Mitchell, Snookie Young, and some of the others. You guys will live on for all of us in our daily thoughts and lives.
Hearing Frank Wess playing flute with the Basie Orchestra in London around 1960 was what made me want to learn music and play the flute. It has given me so much pleasure over the years since....Thanks Frank!
Gorgeous. Goosebumps. I met Frank Wess at the Village Vanguard many years ago when he performed with Sir Roland Hanna in the New York Jazz Quartet. What a delightful evening. A wonderful man whose memory I will always cherish. Charles Skeete, Canada
First saw Basie live in Carnegie Hall in early 1970s at 19 or 20. Wess may have been there. Listened to recordings of him with Basie, and later on his own. One of my favorite all time musicians. Would have loved to shake his hand and thank him, like I was lucky to do with Basie. RIP.
I was driving when this tune came over WDCB awhile back...I was indeed captivated by the flutist approach of the composition...Mr. Wess did a beautiful rendition of the song no doubt...peace
I met Frank Wess during the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. He was a wonderful man and musician. There's nothing as beautiful and swinging as a flute, especially played by a artist such as the iconic Frank Wess! He graciously agreed to do a voice-over ID for my Artistry in Jazz radio program. He is truly missed...
Frank was a pioneer on Jazz flute............he truly understood how to make the most of an under appreciated instrument....Wess, Mann and Moody paved the way for other more well known Flutists........I love and appreciate his playing....has been and always be an inspiration to me.
I was just beginning to collect Jazz when I heard this composition on WBEZ ... the Dick Buckley show...and the rest is history... I bought the ablum..and needless to say...what an album!..peace
When I was about 15 I found an album called BAGS AND FLUTES with Milt and Frank Wess and I can still hear their magnificent version of SWEET AND LOVELY. I met Frank once at the Blue Note when he came to Jackie McLean's dressing room between sets with Johnny Griffin in 1998. He was a gracious and kindly soul and the three of us sat as I listened to the two masters relate tales of laughter and love.
The other wonderful Frank in the great swinging Basie Band of the 50's and 60's saxaphone section has left the stage. Frank Wess has passed away just yesterday and with Mr.Foster, gave us beatiful music
I would be remiss if I did not add that it was because of Frank Wess, along with Hubert Laws, that the flute became my favorite jazz instrument. Charles Skeete, Canada
What a beautifully expressive tone Mr. Weiss has--melancholy and joyful at the same time. His work with jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby on Hip Harp is also great. Give it a listen.
I was introduced to the artistry of Frank Wess via the Count Basie Orchestra. This is fine art. Thank you for posting this and thank you Frand and the Count.
Rest in Music....dear Frank ! Lovely memory: he visited me & I played some Mozart for him. He gave me a recording inscribed : "I like your piano !" ( maybe he just meant my old Steinway ) Lol.
Many in that band were like Frank Wess, Basie veterans. Nothing like a big band that can swing, play the blues, and do a ballad like this. I wish I met this guy, just to shake his hand. What music!
Having played the flute for many years, at a far, far less superior level, I can tell you, his playing is phenomenal and what he does is not easy. The flute is a weird instrument. It can go wonky on you at the weirdest times. Plus it does take time to warm the flute up and get the embouchure right, which is why at the very beginning he sounds kind of "breathy".
P.S. He also takes solos on three Basie cuts from the Complete Roulette Studio Recordings, 1958: Meet B.B., A Square at the Roundtable, and Jessica's Day.
Dear Sir- I was lucky enough to meet Frank at the 92nd Street Y when he wa playing with Dick Hyman and his crew a few years back- with Eddie Locke on traps and Wycliffe Gordon on Bone... :) My mom and I have been making documentary films since the 80s, including the A&E Biographies of Jerry Lewis and The Rat Pack- this is her first, while I was at Reed College... the live performance is at the old West End across the street from Columbia U on Bway in NYC... hope that you enjoy it... love to you and yours! Luke Sacher JOE ALBANY... A JAZZ LIFE 1980 Complete 60 min. Feature Documentary Film
I make keyless scale flutes for fun...it's helping me understand the flute alot more and it's bringing me closer to buy one of these beautiful creations.. it's the money to buy these and passion I think will take you this far...drone meditations... 2 5 1 jams.. learning the standards and just being sure not to literally fall in love with just one song at a time...
Sensitivity pure. His sound would have even been better if they had given him a microphone like most of the other guys had. Which looked like a Neumann, usually used for vocal recording. (Profi flutist)
Thanks again for posting this timeless work of flautic mastery. I can't get enough of this. Do you 'Sitting On The Dock OF The Bay' by Frank. I have been trying to obtain this from his Flute-A-The Loom LP.Can you help?
That’s the Basie Band and Frank Wess A heavenly sound for sore ears. Doesn’t get any better
So lovely to see a African American gentleman playing the Flute. Good for you Frank Wess.❤
RIP Frank, as well as the other giants in this video from the Basie band. I'm so honored to have played w/Frank Wess, Frank Foster, Grover Mitchell, Snookie Young, and some of the others. You guys will live on for all of us in our daily thoughts and lives.
Went out with Frank for diner, twice. Very modest, nice man.
God needed someone to play the flute for him. May master Frank Wess rest in peace.
I knew Frank. He was a gruff teddy bear.
sweet words... 🙋♂️
Hearing Frank Wess playing flute with the Basie Orchestra in London around 1960 was what made me want to learn music and play the flute. It has given me so much pleasure over the years since....Thanks Frank!
Gorgeous. Goosebumps. I met Frank Wess at the Village Vanguard many years ago when he performed with Sir Roland Hanna in the New York Jazz Quartet. What a delightful evening. A wonderful man whose memory I will always cherish.
Charles Skeete, Canada
This is Well Done! Amazing for sure!❤😊
beautiful and seemingly so effortless!! ...
First saw Basie live in Carnegie Hall in early 1970s at 19 or 20. Wess may have been there. Listened to recordings of him with Basie, and later on his own. One of my favorite all time musicians. Would have loved to shake his hand and thank him, like I was lucky to do with Basie. RIP.
I was there too! Did you ever go to the West End up near Columbia U to see The Countsmen?
I was driving when this tune came over WDCB awhile back...I was indeed captivated by the flutist approach of the composition...Mr. Wess did a beautiful rendition of the song no doubt...peace
I love jazz flute. Wonderful sound.
Dear Frank in heaven.....I know you from records many many years ago....hopefully you've a nice place in the sky RIP
Frank was a master ... very nice gentleman. I saw him at Defemios in Yonkers one night. We chatted and he showed me his Powell Flute ...
I have always loved this rain Noble tune and I think Frank Wess owns it
His phrasing is just awesome!
I met Frank Wess during the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival. He was a wonderful man and musician. There's nothing as beautiful and swinging as a flute, especially played by a artist such as the iconic Frank Wess! He graciously agreed to do a voice-over ID for my Artistry in Jazz radio program. He is truly missed...
A beautiful ballad and Frank West does an exceptional job playing it
R.I.P. Frank and thank you for all the wonderful music you gave us. And one of the masters of the flute!
Frank was a pioneer on Jazz flute............he truly understood how to make the most of an under appreciated instrument....Wess, Mann and Moody paved the way for other more well known Flutists........I love and appreciate his playing....has been and always be an inspiration to me.
Don't forget Jeremy Steig
When i thought of flute jazz i ve always thought of dave valentin but this mister is really good
I was just beginning to collect Jazz when I heard this composition on WBEZ ... the Dick Buckley show...and the rest is history... I bought the ablum..and needless to say...what an album!..peace
rest in power,you are still here with us .NYC JAZZMASTER.
Beautiful!
He was the greatest. Always open, learning, swinging with the greatest attitude. A great great musician and even better person.
The music I grew up with. My dad was a great musician, not famous but what a talent.
Love this band with Frank on flute....... Miss that sound...
Frank Wess - a delight to hear., Great quality and feeling.
I Love this Video..
This is classical; this is smooth; this is what flute is intended to do. I am a flute player because of Frank wess (and Joe Ferrell and Eric dolphy
Electrifying, in a softened tone and brilliant.
When I was about 15 I found an album called BAGS AND FLUTES with Milt and Frank Wess and I can still hear their magnificent version of SWEET AND LOVELY.
I met Frank once at the Blue Note when he came to Jackie McLean's dressing room between sets with Johnny Griffin in 1998.
He was a gracious and kindly soul and the three of us sat as I listened to the two masters relate tales of laughter and love.
I just learned of Frank Wess by listening to a recording together with harpist, Dorothy Ashby...double dose of splendor!!!
The other wonderful Frank in the great swinging Basie Band of the 50's and 60's saxaphone section has left the stage. Frank Wess has passed away just yesterday and with Mr.Foster, gave us beatiful music
Frank Wess and James Moody….Without them I would never have been a jazz musician…..I miss them much…God Bless You….
This is the finest music. Thank you for sharing !!💕💕💕
This is the best of the best. Love it! +++++
A lovely, haunting version, yet with the power of heavy chords to keep the virility within.
Happy Birthday Frank!
Musica degli angeli!!!
Saw and listened to Frank on many occasions with the Basie orchestra, a wonderful musician and a nice guy to know.
Absolutely beautiful ! .. what a truly Great musician he was.
I would be remiss if I did not add that it was because of Frank Wess, along with Hubert Laws, that the flute became my favorite jazz instrument.
Charles Skeete, Canada
What a beautifully expressive tone Mr. Weiss has--melancholy and joyful at the same time. His work with jazz harpist Dorothy Ashby on Hip Harp is also great. Give it a listen.
This is one of the most beautiful standards!
Beautiful! Love it
So so so wonderful!!
I was introduced to the artistry of Frank Wess via the Count Basie Orchestra. This is fine art. Thank you for posting this and thank you Frand and the Count.
Rest in Music....dear Frank ! Lovely memory: he visited me & I played some Mozart for him. He gave me a recording inscribed : "I like your piano !" ( maybe he just meant my old Steinway ) Lol.
Excelent stuff, makes me cry!
RIP, very priviledged to have seen him at Zuni's, he'd come in and sit with the band
CRYSTAL
Man, that tone.
Just beautiful...
Many in that band were like Frank Wess, Basie veterans. Nothing like a big band that can swing, play the blues, and do a ballad like this. I wish I met this guy, just to shake his hand. What music!
Really nice by the flute
Brilliant
What a fantastic embouchure!
Thanks a lot and good luck Frank!
One of the great jazz flautists.
Love his composition "Magic" on the April in Paris CD. Actually the reissue has three takes of it, one better than the other!
Having played the flute for many years, at a far, far less superior level, I can tell you, his playing is phenomenal and what he does is not easy. The flute is a weird instrument. It can go wonky on you at the weirdest times. Plus it does take time to warm the flute up and get the embouchure right, which is why at the very beginning he sounds kind of "breathy".
I love this!
i had the possibility to play with Frank at his home...it was like a dream... :)
Exquisite!
niiiiiiiiiiiiiice !!! and Al Gray with the pith helmet 0:32
Excelente...!
Not a wasted note
No repetitive looping
Or signal processors
P.S. He also takes solos on three Basie cuts from the Complete Roulette Studio Recordings, 1958: Meet B.B., A Square at the Roundtable, and Jessica's Day.
Frank past away in January, 2014. What a loss!
Dear Sir- I was lucky enough to meet Frank at the 92nd Street Y when he wa playing with Dick Hyman and his crew a few years back- with Eddie Locke on traps and Wycliffe Gordon on Bone... :) My mom and I have been making documentary films since the 80s, including the A&E Biographies of Jerry Lewis and The Rat Pack- this is her first, while I was at Reed College... the live performance is at the old West End across the street from Columbia U on Bway in NYC... hope that you enjoy it... love to you and yours!
Luke Sacher
JOE ALBANY... A JAZZ LIFE 1980 Complete 60 min. Feature Documentary Film
Frank Wes is one of the most important jazz flute players of all time. I wonder who wrote the nice arrangement for the band?
Я всегда знала, что только мужчины могут так чувствовать и любить.
Very nice flute!
I make keyless scale flutes for fun...it's helping me understand the flute alot more and it's bringing me closer to buy one of these beautiful creations.. it's the money to buy these and passion I think will take you this far...drone meditations... 2 5 1 jams.. learning the standards and just being sure not to literally fall in love with just one song at a time...
HAPPY BDAY MAESTRO! CONTINUED THANX FOR SO MUCH GREAT MUSIC!---steve slagle
ahhh .....nothing finer than this!!
Fran Wess is a fabulous flutist.
GREAT FRANK WESS
Love this.
Absolutely delightful...This is real jazz!
Richelle Wuthrich Edwards 9
Wonderful
beautiful and swinging!
I appreciate. Thanks.
Gorgeous !!
In the band, I saw Al Grey, Snooky Young and are these Sweets Edison on tp and Marshall Royal and Jimmy Forrest in the sax section? And who else???
R.I.P Frank Wess...
Straordinario!
Si Wess e uno dei tanti che adoro e anche un ottimo sax. Bisogna sempre ascoltare molto i bravi ed .....Attingere!!!!
Sensitivity pure.
His sound would have even been better if they had given him a microphone like most of the other guys had.
Which looked like a Neumann, usually used for vocal recording.
(Profi flutist)
@jazzflutist That is Al Grey- the (soft) hat is sort of his trademark. I played with him once on a Jazz Cruise. :)
R.I.P. sir
incredible!
..... Beautiful Rendition.
Who dared dislike this?!
I know a crazy old bitch who plays flute for Weddings, and I gave her a link....and she hated it. Jealous. It's brimming with soul and experience.
Very, very nice
Yeah, Frank.
🌸💙🌱😃
RIP.
Woww beauryful
いぶし銀の管楽器奏者､ﾌﾗﾝｸ･ｳｪｽ,ﾅｯﾄ･ｷﾝｸﾞ･ｺｰﾙの１８番"The Very Thought Of You"での朗々したﾌﾙｰﾄ風味 #jazzm
Wow
Thanks again for posting this timeless work of flautic mastery. I can't get enough of this. Do you 'Sitting On The Dock OF The Bay' by Frank. I have been trying to obtain this from his Flute-A-The Loom LP.Can you help?
Perhaps the 10 people who turned their thumbs down are ocarina fans?! This is typical Frank Wess @ his best!