Bud Shank Holiday in Brazil

Bud Shank Holiday in Brazil on Hybrid Stereo SACD: Mastered from the Original Analog Tape by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering, Available for the First Time on Analog-Sourced Hi-Res SACD

In 1953, Brazilian master guitarist Laurindo Almeida and altoist/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, blending American jazz with Brazilian samba for the first time, years before the advent of bossa nova. Almeida and Shank enjoyed such early success with the record that they reunited five years later for their second collaboration, Holiday in Brazil (alternatively titled Brazilliance, Vol. 2).

Whereas Brazilliance, Vol. 1 was led by Almeida and focused on the traditional Brazilian influences, Vol. 2 allowed Shank room to contribute more of his signature silky soloing and energetic motifs. The vibe is almost as relaxed, but bristles with an adventurous energy and swing that serves Almeida's arrangements and solid guitar accompaniment perfectly. The session is immeasurably enhanced by the adept chops of bassist Gary Peacock and drummer Chuck Flores, while Dayton "Bones" Howe's warm and detailed recording brings forth every nuance of this inspired date.

Shank and Almeida's harmonious collaborations continued into the 1970s, forming the famed L.A. jazz group The LA4 with icons Ray Brown and Chuck Flores (later replaced by Shelly Manne, then Jeff Hamilton). Together, these titans would record lauded albums for Concord Records, including the direct-to-disc audiophile classic Just Friends.

Holiday in Brazil is a perfect summer jazz confection: light, soulful, and breezy. It goes down easy and satisfies deeply. Impex Records is proud to reintroduce this musically stunning and sonically superb album.