The Bud Shank Big Band: Taking The Long Way Home

He assembled some of the best musicians of the Los Angeles/West Coast jazz scene for this endeavor. The group includes trumpeters Carl Saunders and Ron Stout, trombonists Andy Martin and Mike Barone, saxophonists Lanny Morgan, Doug Webb and Jack Nimitz, and pianist Christian Jacob, plus a special appearance by pianist Bob Florence on the title track.

The leader drew upon arrangements by Bob Cooper, Mike Barone, Manny Album and Bob Florence, as well as one of his own, to produce eight tracks of sensational and fiery big band music with a touch of class. The album was recorded live in May 2005 at the LAX Four Points Sheraton Hotel in Los Angeles. The concert starts off with a Barone composition, "Rosebud," a rousing, crowd-pleasing big band number that delivers an immediate sonic blast, prompting Shank to comment afterwards, "This is fun." He selected the second track, "Waltz For Debby," for one of his favorite musicians, Bill Evans. The group treats the melodic piece gently.

I've heard many versions of Cole Porter's classic "Night And Day," but none done so with such spunk and swiftness as this rendition, on which Shank lays down some cool and crisp choruses on alto. Shank borrows an arrangement by trombonist Jiggs Whigham for the incredible "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes," a hot and furious tune in which he shares the stage with tenor saxophonist Doug Webb. Together the pair trade broadsides, going back and forth in a memorable performance for what turns out to be the hardest-swinging big band score in the set. Wow!

The band mellows out on Shank's homage to Artie Shaw, "The Starduster," a Barone arrangement with a soft and warm melody. Shank makes an impassioned solo journey on this beautifully orchestrated piece. The title cut, featuring pianist Bob Florence, was the only low point. It seemed to be a rather hard, choppy tune with various changes in direction—and for me, a bit too long and drawn out at over seventeen minutes. Nevertheless, Taking The Long Way Home captures a historical musical event, along with a ferocious performance by a legendary altoist.

Duke Ellington once stated that Shank is "The greatest part of Kenton's Neophonic concert." With a supporting cast of phenomenal musicians and terrific charts, this album affirms that claim. Taking The Long Way Home is one of the best big band discs of the year.

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