AMG Review of Bud Shank Sextet Plays Harold Arlen

Scott Yanow
All Music Guide

Four veterans of the West Coast jazz scene of the 1950's (altoist Bud Shank, tenorman Bill Perkins who doubles on soprano, baritonist Jack Nimitz and trumpeter Conte Candoli) team up with bassist John Clayton and drummer Sherman Ferguson on the Jimco release The Bud Shank Sextet Plays Harold Arlen. At first glance one might think that this is a jam session, but the performances by the pianoless sextet are quite special due to the inventive arrangements, six of which are by either Bill Holman or the late Marty Paich. Most of the songs (including "Blues In The Night," "Over The Rainbow," "Come Rain Or Come Shine" and "Out of This World") have the potential to be overfamiliar but the charts (lots of written-out ensembles and development throughout the song rather than being merely repetitive) greatly uplift the music. Shank is the main improviser (he is in fiery form) but everyone gets their short spot on the worthy date. Now that the short-lived Jimco label has apparently become obsolete, this session is available through Allegro Imports (14134 N.E. Airport Way, Portland, OR 97230).