The last recording of a musical genius
Jazzcat | Genoa, Italy Italy | 02/15/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Frank. For all of you who love Frank like I do this is a major event in recent years music history. Another exceptional recording from Frank that we haven't had the opportunity to enjoy before. Think about this. This material was refused by all the most important record companies at the time (1978) because Frank here used an electronic device called "multivider", which when he activated it gave the impression of two or three horns playing in unison. But believe me, no gimmick here, this is pure bop, pure jazz of the highest caliber. Can you imagine that? How can a record company refuse this material for the few bucks it costed I suppose ...? What they were thinking about? What kind of un-musical persons are seated in the chairs that count in the music industry? I can't believe this. Here there's a monster musician at the top of his game, perfectly in control of his art, creative and enthusiast playing some of the best music of his career and you refuse to publish an album like this? I can't believe this. Justice is not of this world for sure. Talking about this album it comprehend only three tunes but in two versions each. The versions are not different generally speaking, thay are only two different takes of the same tune. They are two standards, Errol Garner's "Misty" and Burke/Van Heusen's "I thought about you" and a wonderful original line from Frank, "Waltz for Diane" which is a minor blues in 3/4 time that he recorded before in an album he did with Sonny Stitt now under the "Collectables" label. The trio which comps under Frank is formed by pianist Larry Willis, Billy Higgins at the drums and Kevan Brandon at double bass. An excellent trio. What can I say more. Hearing Frank blowing again is such a Joy ... I can't do nothing but shut up and play again the record.
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Frank's Last Recording
S. Ghahreman | 05/14/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have to say, like many people familiar with Frank Rosolino's music, I was very moved by this particular CD. Thankfully, many years ago, a friend and a mentor to whom I am greatful introduced me to him. I can proudly say that I now have a nice collection of Frank's work. This one is a bit more special to me. It drips with soulfulness, artistry, and graceful tonality. Each time I here his work I learn something new. There is a lot to be said about Frank Rosolino.... this is music for all jazz aficionados but a must have for all bones player."
His Last Bow
C. C. Black | Princeton, NJ USA | 06/27/2009
(4 out of 5 stars)
"This is a fine if flawed disc. "Flaw" when applied to Roslino will seem sacrilege to some: He is surely among the top half-dozen jazz trombonists of the twentieth century, and some would place him at the very top. The blemishes, such as they are, which I hear on this album are two. First, the repertoire is extremely limited, with alternative takes of varying lengths of "Misty," "I Thought About You," and "Waltz for Diane." This is itself is not a bad thing, since Rosilino does not mimic himself; nevertheless, on a disc with only six tracks, at a playing time of around 53 minutes, some may be disappointed by the lack of variety. My second quibble concerns Rosolino's style: After only a couple of hearings, the disc seems to me fairly uniform in approach. There's no denying the quality of technique, which, when Rosilino was afire, few if any could match. Nevertheless, there's an impish cleverness in his style that, to my ears, does not always mesh with the music itself. On the other hand, Rolino's sidemen--Billy Higgins on drums, Kevan Brandon on bass, and most especially Larry Willis on piano--are a joy to listen to in their own right, and F. R. gives them plenty of room to shine. The disc is complemented by appreciative liner notes from his manager, Diane Arnesto.
On balance: Probably not the best Rolisno disc with which to begin, but essential for completists and those wanting to trace the arc of this fabulous musician's career to its bitter end."
Track Listings (6) - Disc #1