Bud Shank: Plays the Music of Bill Evans

Once the prototype of West Coast Cool, as evidenced by his longstanding association with Shorty Rogers, the Lighthouse All Stars and his own co-led L.A. Four, altoist Bud Shank has since embraced far more earthy means of expression. In a manner similar to that noted in the latter-day playing of Art Pepper, Bud has now moved on to a raw, searing sound, replete with Phil Woods-like growls, Hodgesian scooped pitches, and all manner of timbre-changing devices within a tent-pegged centered pitch. This is all to the good, especially considering the relentless drive of pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe LaBarbera on such Evans burners as “Pert’s Scope,” “Funkallero” and “My Bells,” as well as Wofford’s own “Bill’s Vane.” Swing is also markedly evident in the medium and slower tempoed tunes, such as “A Tune For A Lyric,” “Evanescent,” “Blue In Green,” “Waltz For Debby,” “Only Child”and the closing blues, “No Cover, No Minimum.”

Originally Published November 1, 1997