Alto Saxophonist Bud Shank Passes Away

By Alicia Cruz
Senior writer
theblackurbantimes.com

Jazz lovers like myself are mourning the passing of alto saxophonist and flautist, Bud Shank.
El maestro was born in Dayton, Ohio on May 27, 1926. His music career took off In 1946 when he worked with Charlie Barnet before moving on to the West coast jazz scene.
In the 1980s Shank dropped the flute and became an alto saxophonist. In 2005 he formed the Bud Shank Big Band in Los Angeles to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Stan Kenton's Neophonic Orchestra.
Shank sunset came on April 2, 2009, of pulmonary failure at his home in Tucson, AZ. At the time of passing, Shank had just returned from San Diego, California where he was recording a new album.


Some of his greatest hits include his collaboration with the Mamas and The Papas on 'California Dreaming' (the flautist portion is Shank and it's absolutely beautiful!); Theme Music from The James Dean Story, Drifting Timelessly, Improvisations, Roadmaster and more recently Taking the Long Way Home and Beyond the Red Door. Bud Shank and his melodies will be missed dearly by jazz fans.