Search - Bud Shank :: Silver Storm

Recorded in 2000 in Port Townsend, Washington, where jazzman-in-residence Bud Shank founded a jazz festival, this generous batch of spirited, bop-flavored jazz finds Shank once again teaming up with tenor saxist Bill Perkins and trumpeter Conte Condoli, band mates from his earliest days. The three were partially responsible for inventing "West Coast jazz," a term used to describe L.A.-flavored bebop, and are all still going strong 50 years later. Though "Wildflower's Lullaby"--light, lilting, melodic--might be the most stereotypical of the West Coast sound, this CD features a wide array of mood and tempo, each tune driven by an unusually high degree of musical empathy. Over the years, Shank's alto sound has developed a full-bodied, engaging gruffness, full of depth and nuance, and his soloing, as well as his cohorts', gives eloquent testimony to the value of maturity and experience. These silver-headed jazz veterans do, indeed, kick up a storm, and this CD faithfully captures their exuberant spirit. --Wally Shoup