The Last Recording

• Artist: Frank Rosolino
• Rating:
• Release Date: October 10, 2006
• Genre: Jazz

Review

It took Frank Rosolino's widow Diane many years to find a label willing to release this music, and that is understandable. Frank Rosolino, one of jazz's greatest trombonists, went crazy on November 26, 1978, shooting two of his sons and killing himself. The completely unexpected turn of events from a trombonist who was witty and always seemed in good spirits was a shock to the jazz world, but he had apparently suffered from depression for years. In addition, the music on The Last Recording, recorded less than four months before the horrible ending, features Rosolino using a Multivider on his horn, an electronic device that gave him a sound in three octaves at once. However, the electronics do not stop Rosolino from sounding as distinctive, fluent and witty as ever; his sound is still present. And the tragic events that were coming up in the near future are not hinted at during this cheerful and swinging set. Rosolino is in excellent form as is pianist Larry Willis. Although there are two versions apiece of three songs, each of the renditions are quite different from each other and none of the selections are throwaways. Frank Rosolino fans and those who enjoy exuberant bebop trombone are recommended to pick up this lost treasure. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Misty [Radio Edit]	Erroll Garner	Frank Rosolino	(9:34)
I Thought About You [Radio Edit]	James Van Heusen	Frank Rosolino	(7:55)
Waltz for Diane [Take Two]	Frank Rosolino	Frank Rosolino	(5:44)
Misty	Erroll Garner	Frank Rosolino	(16:07)
I Thought About You	James Van Heusen	Frank Rosolino	(10:15)
Waltz for Diane [Take One]	Frank Rosolino	Frank Rosolino	(4:52)

Credits

Don Snyder (Audio Engineer), Paul Wickliffe (Mixing), Diane Armesto (Editing), Diane Armesto (Liner Notes), John Fedchock (Mixing Producer), Don Snyder (Engineer), Frank Rosolino (Trombone), Diane Armesto (Cover Design)