Recorded live at one of the Los Angeles Jazz Institute's legendary four-day jazz convention/festivals, Taking the Long Way Home features altoist Bud Shank joined by a specially assembled big band. The arrangements are mostly by Mike Barone, Bob Cooper, Manny Albam, and Bob Florence with Shank being the main soloist throughout. Tenor saxophonist Doug Webb is prominent interacting with Shank on "The Night Has a Thousand Eyes," trumpeter Carl Saunders has a heated spot on "Limes Away," and Florence plays piano on his lengthy "Taking the Long Way Home." Shank's warm alto solos, his verbal introductions of each selection, and the tightness and spirit of the band (despite only having one or two rehearsals) make this a real keeper. ~ Scott Yanow
Alto sax legend Bud Shank's first big band release features exciting arrangements from Bob Cooper, Manny Albam, Mike Barone, and Bob Florence. This is the first Bud Shank Big Band album in Bud's 60+ year career. Bud is joined by many jazz greats including Carl Saunders, Roger Ingram, Ron Stout, Andy Martin, Lanny Morgan, Jack Nimitz, Christian Jacob, and special guest Bob Florence.
'This new disc at hand features Bud's dynamic big bandâ€"the very first big band recording he has been positioned in as leader. 'I really had fun with it. At my age now, to have that materialize for the first time is a genuine thrill,' reveals Bud. 'I think most musicians dream of having a big band. Despite growing up in the big swing band era, it just never happened to me. After playing with the Barnet and Kenton bands, I went straight to the Lighthouse All-Stars and from then on it was small groups. Furthermore, as I'm a composer and not an arranger-writer, I never had the desire to have my own band for the purpose of hearing my writing.
'The element of swing has long been key in Bud's embodiment of musical values. In regard to the tunes, it's not surprising he articulated firmly: 'I definitely wanted swingin' things as much as possible.
' The charts were primed for swingfeel, indeed. In front of the band, Bud communicated a disposition of kinetic excitement. He was pumped up eager to swing!The band was shored with some of L.A.'s best corps of players. It was outrageous in its profusion of excellence from the steaming rhythm section of Christian Jacob, Joel Hamilton and Kevin Kanner to the blazing horns. Throughout the high caliber performance, the heartfelt emotion and joie de vivre of the event was a perceptible ingredient. As Lanny Morgan has predicted: 'I think Bud Shank fans will be thrilled. It's a tremendous effort!' Dr. Herb WongPast-President, IAJEAlumnus, KJAZ Radio, San Francisco
Bud Shank: Bud Shank; Lanny Morgan, Andy Martin, Bob Florence, Roger Ingram.
Personnel: Bud Shank (alto saxophone); Jack Nimitz, Keith Bishop, Lanny Morgan, Doug Webb, Brian Williams (reeds); Dennis Farias, Ron Stout, Roger Ingram, Carl Saunders (trumpet); Charlie Morillas, Mike Barone, Andy Martin, Craig Gosnell (trombone); Christian Jacob, Bob Florence (piano); Kevin Kanner (drums).
Audio Mixer: Rod Nicas.
Liner Note Author: Herb Wong.
Recording information: LAX Four Points Sheraton Hotel, Los Angeles, CA (05/28/2005).
Photographer: Stuart Alden.
Arrangers: Bud Shank; Bob Florence; Mike Barone; Manny Albam; Bob Cooper.
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