Frank Foster before he jumped on the "Trane"by Anonymous

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September 26, 2009: A date typical from the SteepleChase catalog with room for all to stretch out without becoming just another "blowing session". "The House That Love Built" recorded in September 1982 finds Wess in fine form and, not yet surrendering fully to the dominating influence of John Coltrane which was so prevalent with other saxophonists at the time. Wess contributes five originals with "Scandia Skies" by K.Dorham added as a bonus track previously unissued.The rhythm section of Horace Parlan(P),Jesper Lundgaard(B),and Aage Tanggard(D)provide adequate support and swing nicely throughout. This date should be of particular interest to Foster fans who were first introduced to his blues influeneced boppish solo work with the classic Count Basie orchestra of the 1950's. Foster was one-half of the two tenor tandem the other being the great Frank Wess. Foster had clearly moved on by 1982 yet this date offers ample touches of his 50's style and finds him in a straight bag reminiscent of vintage Sonny Stitt, a strong earlier influence. The uptempo "I Remember Sonny Stitt" makes the point nicely. Sound quality is good but,liner notes are absent.

By no means essential,if you dig Frank Foster (and,obviously I do) you will enjoy this CD. Foster came to play on this one.