Frank Wess by Salem Krieger

“Frank Wess is revered as a smoothly swinging tenor saxophone player in the Lester Young tradition, as an expert alto saxophonist, and as one of the most influential, instantly recognizable flutists in jazz history.” National Endowment for the Arts, 2007

At 85, American Jazz Master saxophonist/flautist Frank Wess is hardly considering retirement. Last month, he brought his quintet to the Village Vanguard. Now he turns to his familiar, bigger ensemble format, with a week at Dizzy’s at Jazz at Lincoln Center, June 3-8, heading a Celebration Nonet featuring Ted Nash, Terell Stafford, Scott Robinson, Frank Greene, Steve Turre, Peter Washington and Cyrus Chestnut, and Winard Harper.  

Born in Kansas City, MO, Frank Wess began alto saxophone studies at age 10, playing in his father’s band. In high school he performed with the Kansas All State High School Orchestra before relocating to Washington, DC. Still in his teens, he played lunch hour jam sessions with fellow students, who included pianist Billly Taylor. For a while he played in local bands on alto and later tenor, including a group led by Blanche Calloway, before being drafted into the Army during World War II. Frank played tenor and clarinet in the Army Band and led an ensemble backing the great Josephine Baker. After his discharge, he added stints with Billy Eckstine and Lucky Millinder to his resume, and began flute studies with Wallace Mann (National Symphony) and Harold Bennett (Metropolitan Opera) in the late 40s. His big break came in 1953 when he joined the Count Basie Orchestra, first on tenor and flute, and later adding the alto sax to his duties. During his eleven years with Basie, Wess appeared on dozens of recordings and became one of the first major soloists on flute. Moving to New York City in the mid 60s, Frank Wess became a popular performer in studios on television, performing for Saturday Night Live, the Dick Cavett Show, and appeared in Broadway pit orchestras supporting Sammy Davis, Debbie Reynolds,  and more; he also played with Clark Terry, Toshiko Akiyoshi, and Sir Roland Hanna. From their Basie connection, Wess and fellow tenorman Frank Foster formed a quintet, Two Franks, which performed for nearly two decades. 

Terell Stafford©Andrea Canter

Terell Stafford is recognized as one of the leading trumpeters of his generation. A mainstay of the Matt Wilson Arts and Crafts quartet, Stafford leads his own quintet with Tim Warfield and Bruce Barth, teaches at Temple University, and records for MaxJazz. Trumpeter Frank Greene has a broad resume including stints with Woody Herman’s Thundering Herd, Maynard Ferguson, the Dizzy Gillespie Alumni Band, Queen Latifah and the Broadway orchestra for The Producers. Working in jazz, Latin, and pop on trombone and shells, Steve Turre  has worked with  Ray Charles, Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers, Dizzy Gillespie, McCoy Tyner, J.J. Johnson, Herbie Hancock, Lester Bowie, Tito Puente, Mongo Santamaria, Van Morrison, Horace Silver, Max Roach, and Rahsaan Roland Kirk as well as the Saturday Night Live Band. One of his more innovative projects is his Sanctified Shells Choir. Tenor saxman Ted Nash may be best known for his work with Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. His work with the Herbie Nichols Project, Jazz Composers Collective, and his own bands reflects his passion for innovation and composition. Multireedist Scott Robinson was a U.S. “Jazz Ambassador” and has recorded with the likes of Lionel Hampton, Ella Fitzgerald, Elton John and Sting. He is also a member of Maria Schneider’s orchestra, playing saxophones and clarinet; his skills also extend to sarrusophone and flute. One of the most acclaimed pianists of his generation, Cyrus Chestnut had led his own trios and was part of James Carter’s Gold Project. His collaborations have included Jon Hendricks, Betty Carter Wynton Marsalis, Freddie Hubbard, Chick Corea and more. With a career spanning 30 years, bassist Ray Drummond has played sideman to legends, including Stan Getz, Kenny Barron, Phil Woods, Toots Thielmans, Woody Shaw, Hank Jones, Milt Jackson, Art Farmer and more; he’s also led acclaimed ensembles and has appeared on hundreds of recordings. Renowned leader of the Winard Harper Sextet, drummer Harper began percussion studies at age five in his native Washington, DC area. He quickly became a virtuoso performer, and has shared the stage with such luminaries as Dexter Gordon, Betty Carter, and Billy Taylor.

Ted Nash©Andrea Canter

Bridging the big band era with a band of modern masters, the Frank Wess Nonet is a not-to-be-missed residency at Dizzy’s, June 3-8.

Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center is located in the Time Warner complex at Columbus Circle in Manhattan. Two sets each night; visit www.jalc.org