Close musical associates and alto sax players, Jake Fryer and Bud Shank put together a stellar quintet to record in April 2009. Shank died of a pulmonary disorder the day after this recording session. Their musician partners are pianist Mike Wofford; bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Joe La Barbera. Of the nine selections, three are standard classics: “Caravan,” “Almost Like Being in Love” and “Speak Low.” The rest are originals by Fryer. Fryer and Shank wanted the date to be played like a gig and indeed it was, with all first takes.
As booking agent Reggie Mashall says in the liner notes, “In the immediate opening of ‘Caravan,’ we hear that Bud is still Bud in spite of any physical pending problems. He still had all the fire, passion and his ideas are wholly intact… Jake Fryer solos right after Bud and it is clear that he belongs with musicians of this caliber… Traces can be heard of Bud’s influence, and that of Phil Woods, too…As for Mike, Bob and Joe, they provide sensitive and inventive support throughout, as well as some memorable solos.”
Fryer is a stellar saxophonist and has earned a reputation as a player to be watched. He has appeared at Ronnie Scotts in London, celebrating part of the Brit Fest and the club’s Golden Anniversary with the group LJC. He has also played lead alto with the Four Tops, among many other credits.
Standout compositions that I liked in this last CD of Bud Shank and Jake Fryer would be Fryer’s numbers, “Bopping With Bud,” “Agnieszka,” (a pretty serene ballad) and the title track, “In Good Company.” What better way to make a great recording. No one would have guessed this would be Shank’s last musical effort. The benefit was making it with friends, Jake Fryer and the A-Team rhythm section of Wofford, Magnusson and LaBarbera. Recommended. See websites: www.jakefryer.com and www.caprirecords.com .
Reprinted with permission from L.A. Jazz Scene, March 2011 issue.
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