Frank Rosolino: Frank 'n Earnest

Frank Rosolino emerged during his 1952-'54 stint with Stan Kenton as one of jazz's most exciting trombonists. Here the livewire sliphornist fronts a sizzling sextet extracted from the Kenton band and arranged by Kentonite Bill Holman. A friend of ours once asked, "What's the swingingest track you got?" Not necessarily our favorite or most admired, he explained, just the swingingest. We knew exactly what he meant, and played him "Frank 'N Earnest." Catapulting out of his chair, our friend spilled his drink, knocked over an ashtray and emitted an undignified yelp. We didn't mind. Frank Rosolino does that to you.