Frank Wess - The Savoy & Prestige Collection (2019)

• A jazz saxophonist and flautist held in high regard by his contemporaries, his peers and his followers, Frank Wess remains revered for his exceptional musical skills and his compositional talent in equal measures. Remembered best for his work with Count Basie's band between the early 1950s and the early 1960s, Wess was also a consummate band leader in his own right, as was amply displayed on the many albums issued under his own name, most notably in the late 50s and early 60s. This 4CD boxset highlights some of Frank Wess's most notable work as bandleader and collaborator, demonstrating his ample skill at composition, saxophone, and as a pioneering Jazz flautist. Featuring eight albums from his most acclaimed era, this CD collection serves as both a fine starting point for those new to the great man's music, and as a reminder of his huge musical prowess for everyone else.

• I want you to hear these 8 albums if for no other reason than you can hear the sound of a life well lived. Among us to the age of 91 and winning every kind of award and recognition there is, these 8 records are filled with a joyous sound that has a purity to it that reflects the purity of his heart steeped in enjoying what he did. Primarily remembered as Count Basie's top side kick, the sax/flute player is making music for ages here and always in the company of the top players of the day. Easy going stuff that never fails to sound in the moment, you'd be hard pressed to find a cooler collection of real jazz than this. Dig it! ~ Chris Spector -- Midwest Review 10/12/2019