DVD/CD: Bud Shank

Bud Shank, Against The Tide (Jazzed Media). The main current of the DVD is superbly photographed and recorded video of a Shank quartet recording date. Interwoven with the studio session are documentary coverage of the alto saxophonist's long career and segments of Shank speaking. Pulling no punches, he discusses music, musicians, critics and why he walked away from the flute. The documentary includes scrapbook photos plus film and kinescopes of Shank performing in several settings from the 1950s forward. Running nearly two hours, the DVD is a thorough appreciation of a major jazz figure. The bonus CD has Shank with pianist Mike Wofford, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe LaBarbera; in duet with pianist Bill Mays; and with Bill Holman's band, the Lighthouse All-Stars and Duke Ellington.