Brazilliance, Vol. 2

Read About This Recording

Brazilian guitarist Laurindo Almeida and Bud Shank (an altoist and flutist whose roots were originally in West Coast cool jazz) always made for a perfectly complementary team. They were first matched together in 1953's Brazilliance, a futuristic set that found the duo playing music that could be considered bossa nova, nine years before the style caught on. Decades later, in the 1970s, they co-led the L.A. Four, a band that played both swinging jazz and Brazilian music.

Brazilliance Volume 2 is from 1958, five years after the first recording by Almeida and Shank. There are two main differences to this quartet set (which features bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Chuck Flores in supporting roles). Unlike the first effort which found Shank sticking exclusively to alto, this time around he is heard doubling on flute. Also, for their second date, the arrangements are not quite as restrictive as earlier and Shank has more opportunities to stretch out.

However, the original musical magic is still very much present as the quartet explores 13 originals by the co-leaders, two obscurities and five Brazilianized standards including "'Round Midnight" and "I Didn't Know What Time it Was." The interplay between Almeida and Shank is consistently memorable and the music is quite melodic but never predictable. An unsung classic.

—Scott Yanow

Contents

Simpatico; Rio Rhapsody; Nocturno; Little Girl Blue; Choro In A; Mood Antigua; The Color Of Her Hair; Lonely; I Didn't Know What Time It Was; Carioca Hills; Harlem Samba; North Of The Border; Sunset Baion; 'Round Midnight; Toro Dance; Serenade For Alto; Xana-Lyn; Blowing Wild; Gershwin Prelude; Waltz Frio y Calor.

Bud Shank, Alto Sax, Flute; Laurindo Almeida, Guitar; Gary Peacock, Bass; Chuck Flores, Drums.