Entre Nous

by Scott YanowDuring part of 1990 Frank Wess led a big band that not too suprisingly sounded very much like Count Basie's; Wess' 11 years with Count plus the presence of many Basie alumni were two good reasons to continue the tradition. This live CD features plenty of enthusiastic playing on arrangments by Wess (who doubles on tenor and flute), Dennis Mackrel, Joe Newman (who sings "St. James Infirmary"), Pete Minger and Rick Wilkins. Among the main soloists are pianist Tee Carson (who closely emulates Basie), trumpeters Pete Minger, Snooky Young and Joe Newman, trombonist Art Baron, altoists Bill Ramsey and Curtis Peagler, guitarist Ted Dunbar, baritonist Babe Clark (showcased on "Lover") and Wess himself. Easily recommended to Count Basie fans, this valuable CD is the main existing documentation of the short-lived Frank Wess Orchestra.