Bud Shank

Holiday in Brazil Bud Shank

In 1953, Brazilian master guitarist Laurindo Almeida and alto saxophonist and flutist Bud Shank collaborated on their first LP for Richard Bock’s Pacific Jazz label. “Laurindo Almeida Quartet Featuring Bud Shank” was a groundbreaking recording that combined American jazz with Brazilian samba for the first time, years before bossa nova became fashionable. Almeida and Shank enjoyed such early success with the record that they reunited five years later to record a follow-up album: “Holiday In Brazil” (alternatively titled “Brazilliance, Vol. 2”). While “Brazilliance, Vol. 1” was led by Almeida and focused on traditional Brazilian influences, the second collaboration gave Shank room to contribute more of his characteristic silky solos and exciting motifs. The atmosphere is brimming with adventurous energy and swing, which complements Almeida’s arrangements and his soulful guitar accompaniment. The session is enriched by the playing of bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Chuck Flores. “Holiday In Brazil” is a perfect summer jazz treat: light, soulful and airy!

Sound engineer Dayton “Bones” Howes’ warm and detailed recording brings out every nuance of this inspired session in the Impex Records reissue. The harmonious collaboration between Shank and Almeida continued into the 1970s, when they founded the famous jazz group The LA4 with icons Ray Brown and Chuck Flores (later replaced by Shelly Manne, then Jeff Hamilton). Together, these titans recorded acclaimed albums for Concord Records, including the classic “Just Friends.”

Impex Records is now releasing this musically breathtaking gem for the first time as a Hybrid SACD with outstanding sound quality: The reissue of “Holiday In Brazil” – originally recorded in March 1958 at Radio Recorders Studio in Los Angeles, California, and produced by Richard Bock – was mastered by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering from the original tapes. The limited-edition HQ 180g vinyl was pressed at RTI and cut at 33 RPM. We recommend the use of "L'Art du Son" CD/DVD conditioner for even more sonic improvement.