Bud Shank: This Bud’s for You

This 32 reissue of a Muse album was recorded in early 1984 when Shank had decided to renounce the Hollywood studios, ditch his flute and dedicate himself entirely to playing bebop on the alto saxophone. That is what he does here, with drive, enthusiasm and an amiable gruffness that took a lot of pigeon-holers by surprise. The elation Shank felt at his self-imposed liberation is apparent beginning with the first track, a spirited “I’ll Be Seeing You” in which he gets deep into the changes, leaps through intervals, growls a bit, and sounds as if he’s having the time of his life. With the rhythm section of Kenny Barron, Ron Carter and Al Foster, he probably was. “Nica’s Dream,” “Visa,” Bud Powell’s “Bouncing With Bud,” “Never Never Land” and a couple of Shank originals are every bit as good. The CD is only 33 minutes-LP length-but it’s a terrific 33 minutes.

Originally Published July 1, 2000