Critic's Review
Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
The two veteran Count Basie tenors Frank Wess (who doubles here on alto) and Frank Foster co-led this 1983 Pablo session (which is sometimes also listed under Foster's name). With fine backup from pianist Kenny Barron, bassist Rufus Reid and drummer Marvin "Smitty" Smith, both Wess and Foster have opportunities to show how they have grown as musicians since the Basie days. While Wess has kept his cool tone, Foster was obviously influenced a bit by John Coltrane, so one should have little difficulty telling the two apart. In addition to some originals (three by Wess and one by Foster), Neal Hefti's title tune and a few ballads, the quintet performs unusual uptempo versions of "Send in the Clowns" and "Spring Can Really Hang You Up the Most." Recommended.
