“Bud Shank Plays Tenor” is an album by Bud Shank, recorded on November 28, 1957, at Radio Recorders, Studio B, Hollywood, and originally released on Pacific Jazz Records (PJ-1232). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-092) revives this record with remastering that highlights the tenor saxophone’s depth. The lineup features Bud Shank (tenor saxophone), Claude Williamson (piano), Jimmy Rowles (bass), and Chuck Flores (drums). The album includes standards like A Night in Tunisia and Shank’s originals. The music is West Coast jazz with bebop roots, with Shank’s tenor saxophone warm and inventive, and the rhythm section providing a light, swinging foundation. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its clean, rich sound, capturing the Hollywood atmosphere. “Bud Shank Plays Tenor” is a unique record, underscoring Shank’s mastery on a new instrument.
Bud Shank (May 27, 1926 – April 2, 2009) was an American alto saxophonist and flautist, a key figure in West Coast jazz. Born in Dayton, Ohio, he began on clarinet before mastering saxophone and flute, inspired by Charlie Parker. In the 1950s, Shank became a star of the Los Angeles scene, collaborating with Stan Kenton, Howard Rumsey, and Lawrence Marable. His style blended bebop intensity with a melodic, refined delivery, perfectly suiting West Coast jazz. Shank also explored bossa nova and other styles, recording numerous albums. Later, he taught, inspiring young musicians.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. Thou Swell (Hart-Rodgers) 6:38
2. Tenderly (Gross-Lawrence) 7:48
3. Over the Rainbow (Arlen-Harburg) 4:20
4. Long Ago (And Far Away) (Rainger-Robin) 4:48
Side Two:
1. I Never Knew (Fiorito-Kahn) 6:28
2. All the Things You Are (Kern-Hammerstein II) 4:50
3. Body and Soul (Green-Heyman-Sour) 5:06
4. Blue Lou (Ed Finckel) 5:43
Personnel:
Bud Shank (tenor sax), Claude Williamson (piano), Don Prell (bass), Chuck Flores (drums).
Recorded at Radio Recorders, Studio “B”, Hollywood, November 28, 1957
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