Shorty Rogers / Bud Shank - America The Beautiful! (2006)

The 1991 version of the Lighthouse All-Stars gave trumpeter Shorty Rogers and altoist Bud Shank top billing. For this Candid CD, Rogers supplied eight of the selections (including "Less Is More," "Lotus Bud," "Fun" and "Here's That Old Martian Again") and the band also stretched out on Bud Powell's "Un Poco Loco" and a Rogers' arrangement of "America The Beautiful." This was one of the final records for both Shorty and the great tenor Bob Cooper and overall it is a typically swinging, witty and beautiful effort. Also in fine form are trumpeter Conte Candoli, Bill Perkins (on baritone, tenor and soprano), pianist Pete Jolly, bassist Monty Budwig and drummer Larence Marable.
One of two CD's, this set features a veritable who's who of Los Angeles under the co leadership of Shorty Rogers and Bud Shank.
Most of the tunes are composed and arranged by the iconic Shorty himself with outstanding solos by the two leaders as well as Conte Candoli (trumpet), Bill Perkins (baritone, tenor & soprano), Bob Cooper (tenor) and piano man Pete Jolly.
A true collectors item.