California Dreamin' - Bud Shank

 

Norwegian Wood

California Dreamin'

Bud Shank

Featuring Chet Baker

Arranged & Conducted by Bob Florence

*Arranged by Marty Paich

Producer: Richard Bock

Art Direction: Woody Woodward

Cover Photography: Ivan Nagy

Cover Model: Barbara Bouchet 

Engineer: Bruce Botnick

World Pacific - A Produce of Liberty Records WP-1845

1966

From the back cover: If saxophone players were paid strictly on the basis of talent and ability, Bud Shank could probably have the Taj Mahal for a summer cottage. 

From the time he gained recognition as a sideman in that great proving ground, the Stan Kenton Orchestra, to now, Bud has proven himself to be a brilliant versatile, volatile musician. In a series of World Pacific / Pacific Jazz Albums, Bud (along with Laurindo Almeida) experimented in combining jazz and samba years before the bossa nova craze. His superb flute work was combined with the ancient koto played by Kimio Eto; Bud blended his jazz genius with India's master sitar player, Ravi Shankar; contributed searing solos to the Gerald Wilson big band; accompanied Julie London in another album; led his own fine jazz group on club and record dates; has become the star soloist with the Los Angeles Neophonic Orchestra; and all the while remained one of the most sought after performers in the movie and recording studios of Hollywood.

Although his credentials as a jazz musician were securely established, the popular fame and recognition due such a great talent seemed to elude him. "Michelle" changed all that.

"Michelle" was the album that launched Bud Shank into still another level of success: as a hit-making record star. With jazzmen like Stan Getz, Cal Tjader and Gary McFarland invading the pop field, it was inevitable that Bud Shank's brilliance would also someday shine forth.

Jazzmen jealously, zealously guard their art and their artistry from any taint of of "commercialism," so when a jazz artist finds himself with a hit record, there are frequently cries of "Sell Out!" from critics or those who are envious of anyone's success.

As with his "Michelle" album, Bud is once more joined by Chet Baker. The partnership of saxophone and flugelhorn proved to be an ideal combination on the previous album and continues here most successfully. Chet and Bud compliment each other and join in a sound which at times achieves a unique oneness. A perfect partnership fostered by mutual thought.

This new album in the "Michelle" groove, with its fine arrangements by Bob Florence and the impeccable playing of Bud Shank, Chet Baker and their able abettors will extend this new-found fame even further and win them new friends and fans. Jim Gosa, Program Director, KBIG/FM, Los Angeles

From Billboard - May 21, 1966: Top instrumental rendition of current vocal hits are making Bud Shank's LP's fast moving commodities in the pop market. The hits are all excellent airplay items, including "California Dreamin'," "Monday Monday" and "What The World Needs Now Is Love."

California Dreamin'

Imprevu

Listen People

What The World Needs Now Is Love

In Times Like These

Norwegian Wood (The Bird Has Flown)

Woman

Monday, Monday

Daydream

Gotta Go*

The End Of The World

Husbands & Wives