Dive into the world of hard bop and jazz with Frank Wess' "Opus De Blues," a captivating album released on April 3, 2013, via Fresh Sound Records. This collection of nine tracks, spanning 57 minutes, showcases the mastery of Frank Wess, an American jazz saxophonist and flutist renowned for his extensive solo work. Born in Kansas City in 1922, Wess brought a unique blend of technical prowess and soulful expression to his music, making "Opus De Blues" a standout in his discography.
The album features a stellar lineup of musicians, including Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, and Gus Johnson, among others. Each track, from the opening "I Hear Ya Talkin'" to the closing "Friday the 13th," offers a rich tapestry of jazz sounds that highlight Wess' virtuosity on both the saxophone and flute.
"Opus De Blues" is a testament to Wess' enduring legacy in the jazz world. Recorded in June 1956, the album captures the essence of hard bop, a subgenre that blends the complexity of bebop with the rhythm and blues influences of the time. Whether you're a seasoned jazz enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises an engaging and enriching listening experience.
(C) 2012 Fresh Sound Records(P) 2013 Fresh Sound Records
Tracks
I Hear Ya Talkin'Frank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
LizFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
Boop De DoopFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
Opus De BluesFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
Struttin' Down His BroadwayFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
Subtle BebuttalFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
Tip ToeFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
H & T BluesFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson
Friday the 13thFrank Wess, Thad Jones, Curtis Fuller, Al Grey, Billy Mitchell, Charlie Fowlkes, Hank Jones, Eddie Jones, Richard Davis, Gus Johnson, Osie Johnson