Alto Saxophonist Bud Shank Dies at 82
- Posted on Apr 6th 2009 11:15AM by Dan Reilly
- Comments (16)
Clifford "Bud" Shank, an alto saxophonist, arranger and flutist who performed on the Mamas and the Papas hit 'California Dreamin',' died last Thursday from pulmonary failure at his Tucson home. He was 82.Raised in Ohio, Shank began playing clarinet at age 10 before switching to saxophone two years later. He briefly attended the University of North Carolina in the late '40s, before dropping out to pursue a career in music. He was a member of big bands led by Charlie Barnet and Alvino Rey before joining pianist Stan Kenton's influential Innovations in Modern Music Orchestra -- a big band that featured strings and French horns.
In the '50s and early '60s, Shank was a large part of the West Coast jazz scene, leading his own band for a period while collaborating with a diverse group of musicians. He performed Brazilian music with guitarist Laurindo Almeida, and recorded an album with famed sitarist Ravi Shankar in 1962. While later focusing on session work, Shank contributed to many popular film scores, including 'The Thomas Crown Affair,' and provided the flute solo for 'California Dreamin'' in 1965.
In the '70s and '80s, Shank performed and recorded with a Latin-inspired quartet called the L.A. Four with Almeida and bassist Ray Brown. After giving up the flute in 1986, Shank worked on a number of projects including the formation of his own jazz workshop, a big band and several tribute albums. 'Beyond the Red Door,' a duet with pianist Bill Mays and Shank's final album, was released in 2007. Shank's last gig was in January, while his final studio session was this past Wednesady -- the day before he died. He is survived by his wife, Linda.
Read more about Bud Shank on All About Jazz.
Dearly Departed Musicians
Bud Shank: Alto saxophonist and flutist Clifford "Bud" Shank died April 2, 2009, at age 82.
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Reader Comments(1 of 1)
D U P I Nat 4-06-2009
One of the greats. Fortunately, he has left a vast amount of his music with us on recordings.
LOVE JOYat 4-06-2009
Loved you on that sax - rest in peace Mr. Shank.
LeKoolat 4-06-2009
Bud Shank, one of America's true jazz masters will be sorely missed. A beautiful sound has been silenced. He was respected world wide for his fabulous musicality. RIP, maestro. Thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Linda.
LeKoolat 4-06-2009
Bud Shank, the master, had a great run.
barney1189at 4-06-2009
Beautiful flute in California Dreaming. RIP.
barney1189at 4-06-2009
Beautiful flute on California Dreamin'. RIP.
Judy Lewisat 4-06-2009
He may no longer be here on Gods Earth
BUT His Music WILL Live On Till The End of Time
May you Rest In Prace!
Penelopeat 4-06-2009
Mr. Shank was an extrordinary man. He came to my small town in Washington State, to play in a fund-raising concert for my son Benjamin, who had been diagnosed with cancer. The Chimacum High School concert band hosted the concert to help raise money for costs not covered by insurance. Mr. Shank and his bassist Bob West graciously came and did a set. His kindness made a huge difference in my son's outlook on his chances for survival. Ben is now 30, and a Professor in the theater dept. at Washington State University. Thanks, Bud.
walkingman717at 4-06-2009
To be the musician who played the fulte solo on California Dreamin' would be a great thing to leave behind. They'll be playing that song forever. Happy Trails, Bud.
howstlat 4-06-2009
Bud played at the Blackhawk in San Friancisco in August of '61 or '62, one week after Stan Getz had been there. He wasn't a Getz, and luckily enough, Getz wasn't a Bud Shank. God love you buddy. Ray
Hey youat 4-06-2009
How sad. God bless you and yours, sir.
Beautiful Luciaat 4-06-2009
RIP Bud.
Why does it seem that all of my musical rolemodels are dying off? Bud is the fourth great sax player in just as many months.
epistrophyat 4-06-2009
Bud was not only an icon of West Coast jazz, he was one of the founding fathers of the bossa nova -- recording Brazilian-jazz fusion with Laurindo Almeida years before Stan Getz got around to it -- and the godfather of surf music through his film soundtracks. He was also one of the kindest, most genuine musicians I ever had the pleasure to talk with. A tremendous loss.
vgkflcat 4-06-2009
A true artist. Rest well Mr Shank. Thanks for all the tunes.
kiousmat 4-06-2009
On his "Califoria Dreaming" album there is a little gem called "Imprevu"; give it a listen sometime.
Joeleneat 4-06-2009
I am so glad that you were a part of my life .
You will always be remembered ,and your music
will be heard always. Thanks!