Frank Wess - Flute Of The Loom (1973) [vinyl>flac]

This is the second of Frank Wess’ two Enterprise albums. Here, Wess contributes more tunes of his own and Chico O’Farrill, Jimmy Roach and Rudy Robinson are credited for various arrangements. The album is more orchestral than his previous "Wess To Memphis". However, these additions which permeate the record, are never too obtrusive, and regardless Wess displays his skills as a fine musician throughout. Irrespective of the album’s title, Wess uses sax on three numbers, his own “Arundelle,” “Flowers” and the standard, “When I Fall In Love.” None of the supporting musicians are accredited but on “Trezia” and “Arundelle” a nice guitar solo is heard and a vibes solo is heard on “Wade in the Water.” The highlights here include “Get on Board [The Train Is Coming],” the funky “Wade in the Water” and “I Know What’s On Your Mind,” all backed by expert string and horn work. Many jazz aficionados have criticised this album but more more kudos should be accoladed on Wess' great playing, which is clearly indicated here. Also there are too few albums, as a leader, are available by Wess, so the listener must be content with what is obtainable by this virtuoso player, Enjoy!

Enterprise Records, ENS-5006, 1973

Rhythm Recorded at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios, Sheffield, Alabama;

Media Sounds Studio, New York, New York

Track Listing

A1. Get On Board [The Train Is Coming] {Don Davis, J. Wilson, R. Eaton} (4:13)

A2. Red Roses {Robert Stone, Vernon Bullock} (3:10)

A3. Trezia {Frank Wess} (3:59)

A4. Arundelle {Frank Wess} (5:23)

A5. When I Fall In Love {Victor Young, Edward Heyman} (5:12)

B1. Wade In The Water {Traditional, Arr. Don Davis} (3:31)

B2. You Are Everything {Thom Bell, Linda Creed} (2:24)

B3. Flowers {Frank Wess} (4:57)

B4. I Know What's On Your Mind {Frank Wess} (4:09)

B5. [Sittin' On] The Dock Of The Bay {Otis Redding, Steve Cropper} (5:37)

Credits:

Producer - Don Davis, Rudy Robinson

Arranger - Chico O'Farrill, Jimmy Roach, Rudy Robinson

Engineer - Jerry Estes, Lou Casella

Creative Direction, Design - Stax Records

Cover Illustration - Ellis Chappell