I've always regarded Frank Wess as the master of flute, and it was certainly he, via Basie, who won universal acceptance of an instrument that was at first considered not suited to jazz.

This set was originally issued in Japan as Flute Juice, and then as Battle Royal. The expected virtuosos flute displays are here but, unlike a lot of exponents, there's no flash. Wess was a musician of good taste, whether he was playing tenor or flute.

The backing group is top class of course, and Chuck Wayne's fine solos are a good match for Frank's, with Flanagan's infallible accompaniment enhancing each performance.

The tracks are between five and seven minutes in length with the last 25 minutes being given over to four alternative takes, so that one's had enough by the time the hour mark is reached.

~ Steve Voce | Jazz Journal International