Fascinating Rhythms

Album Review

These live sessions represent the final recordings of Bud Shank, who passed away just a few months following them in early 2009. Although he had been battling ill health in the last couple of years of his life (which caused him to cancel some concerts), the 82-year-old is very much on top of his game in these performances at the Jazz Bakery, with his regular rhythm section of pianist Bill Mays, bassist Bob Magnusson, and drummer Joe La Barbera. Shank's laconic interpretation of "Over the Rainbow" is free of the often syrupy sentimentality added to the standard, while he engages Mays in a lengthy duet of "Lover Man" that takes it far from the usual paths. The alto saxophonist shows a sense of irony by converting Shorty Rogers' "Lotus Bud" (written to feature Shank on flute) into a bossa nova showcase on alto, combined in a medley with a spirited take of Antonio Carlos Jobim's "No More Blues" that is converted from bossa nova to a playful uptempo bop setting. Also not to be missed are Shank's engaging bossa nova "Chicane" and the rollicking take of Dizzy Gillespie's "Manteca" (which is highlighted by Mays' unusual piano solo incorporating hand-muted and strummed strings). It is puzzling as to why the NEA failed to recognize Bud Shank as a Jazz Master, but the alto saxophonist's fans, who recognize his importance, will enjoy this final chapter in his impressive recorded career.