Bud Shank, Clare Fischer, Joe Pass - Brasamba! (2013)

One of the greatest albums of Brazilian jazz that Bud Shank ever recorded – done with a style that's a lot more like some of the best bossa albums from Rio at the time! Bud's recorded in other bossa settings before – but there's something about this record that really gets the whole thing right – as Shank's alto and flute come into play with a killer combo that includes Clare Fischer on piano, Larry Bunker on vibes and drums, Joe Pass on guitar, and Milt Holland and Chuck Flores on percussion. The added percussion really brings a lot to the set – and gives it a strongly bossa-driven groove that really lets Shank take off on alto and flute solos. Fischer's piano is remarkably strong – caught at that clear early point in his career when he was such a fresh voice on the scene. The whole thing's wonderful overall – and if you think you might have it under another name, check the song listings – because we bet you don't! Titles include "Sambinha", "Gostoso", "Elizete", "O Barquinho", "Brasamba", and "Otem A Note".