king ubu Posted July 17, 2003 Report Posted July 17, 2003 I found this LP today. It's an early stereo recording made in January 1961. So far, I have only listened to the first track - sound quality is astonishing for a live recording f that time, and the band (Claude Williamson, Don Prell & Chuck Flores) seems to be on. The label is called Concept records, copyright is from 1985 (as are Shank's own liner notes, and a note from producer Gerry Macdonald). Sounds like a very VERY nice companion piece to the Mosaic! AMG gives it the following 4 1/2 stars review (and lists it as a Bainbridge and Choice release): Altoist Bud Shank recorded frequently as a leader during 1954-69 for Richard Bock's Pacific Jazz and World Pacific labels, but very few of those diverse records (other than his collaborations with guitarist Laurindo Almeida) are currently available. An exception is this CD reissue (on Choice) of a live set by his 1956 group for the obscure Concept label. Recorded in early stereo by Gerry MacDonald, the Shank Quartet (with pianist Claude Williamson, bassist Don Prell and drummer Chuck Flores) was caught during a seven-month period when they worked regularly at the Haig in Los Angeles. They stretch out on Williamson's "Ambassador Blues" and a variety of standards, playing cool-toned bop and pushing themselves. Easily recommended to straight-ahead jazz fans. — Scott Yanow Anyone has more info about htis release? Opinions? ubu Quote
The Mule Posted July 17, 2003 Report Posted July 17, 2003 Opinions? Yeah! Gimme! For anyone who lives in LA and haunts Aron's Records on Highland, Mr. Shank can be found occasionally cruising the used jazz bins on the weekends... Quote
brownie Posted July 18, 2003 Report Posted July 18, 2003 I got this when it was originally released as a LP on the Choice label in the '70s. Gerry MacDonald owned that label which released quite a number of superb albums (by Jimmy Rowles, Zoot Sims, Toots Thielemans, Jimmy Giuffre among others). A number of these albums have been reissued by Candid. The Haig date is an inspired and swinging album, one of the best by the Shank/Williamson quartet. Quote
Clunky Posted July 18, 2003 Report Posted July 18, 2003 I have this on a Candid CD, it is indeed a nice companion set for the Mosaic set by Shank Quote
JohnS Posted July 18, 2003 Report Posted July 18, 2003 This is a fine album by a great group. It's been in my collection since it came out on Concept in 1985. Most anything by this group can be recommended. Quote
Guest ariceffron Posted July 19, 2003 Report Posted July 19, 2003 i too have this lp- i found a sealed copy of the 85 isuue in a SF record store. i really really like it. note the funny cover however w/ the wurly piano. haha. like the bud shank qt. ever used THAT! Quote
king ubu Posted July 25, 2003 Author Report Posted July 25, 2003 note the funny cover however w/ the wurly piano. haha. like the bud shank qt. ever used THAT! That cover sure is funny! But the record is great! A very good companion to the Shank Mosaic. Shank gets in some very good solos on "How about You" and particularly the extended "Ambassador Blues" and "Miles Sign Off". Then his version of "Lover Man" is sublime! Nothing lightweight, foot-patting, if you ask me. Rather, a master at work! And dig Chuck Flores - he has one solo (can't remember on which track) that's absolutely stunning, in my opinion. ubu Quote
king ubu Posted July 28, 2003 Author Report Posted July 28, 2003 I don't care about light or heavy whatever these clichés are. Lots of west coast jazz might not even be identified as such (think of Mingus, Dexter, to name just two). And I sure love the Shank Mosaic very much! That quartet with Williamson/Prell/Flores was very tight. What's that Ted Gioia story? Don't know anything! ubu Quote
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