“New Groove” is an album by Bud Shank, recorded on February 22, 1961, at Rex Productions, Los Angeles, and originally released on Pacific Jazz Records (PJ-17). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-089) revives this record with remastering that highlights the saxophone’s clarity. The lineup features Bud Shank (alto saxophone), Carmell Jones (trumpet), Dennis Budimir (guitar), Gary Peacock (piano), Buddy Clark (bass), and Mel Lewis (drums). The album includes Shank’s originals and standards like Lullaby of Birdland. The music is West Coast jazz with hard-bop elements, with Shank’s saxophone melodic and vibrant, and Jones adding bright trumpet lines. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its warm, detailed sound, capturing California’s jazz charm. “New Groove” is a lively record, showcasing Shank’s versatility.
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. New Groove (Bud Shank) 6:44
2. The Awakening (Bud Shank) 4:24
3. White Lightnin’ (Bud Shank) 5:20
Side Two:
1. Sultry Serenade (Duke Ellington) 7:12
2. Well, You Needen’t (Thelonious Monk) 6:57
3. Liddledabllduya (Gary Peacock) 3:55
Personnel:
Carmell Jones (trumpet), Bud Shank (alto & baritone sax), Dennis Budimir (guitar), Gary Peacock (bass), Mel Lewis (drums).
Recorded at Rex Productions, Los Angeles, February 22, 1961
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