'This CD reissue features Almeida, Shank (now doubling on flute), bassist Gary Peacock, and drummer Chuck Flores once again combining Brazilian rhythms and folk melodies with cool bop improvising. This time around, the arrangements are not as restrictive, Shank's solos are longer, and the jazz content sometimes overrides the Brazilian elements. The music is still quite enjoyable (the very complementary Almeida and Shank would join together again in the 1970s as the L.A. Four) if not as historical; both volumes are highly recommended'. (Scott Yanow, Allmusic).
"Alto saxophonist and flutist Bud Shank was one of the titans of the West Coast jazz scene in the 1950s and early '60s. His many recordings revealed him to be as much a Charlie Parker disciple as Art Pepper, but Shank's tone was less pointed and his use of space relied as much on melody as rhythm. This compilation contains Shank's first three dates as the leader in quintet and quartet settings for Pacific Jazz recorded between January and July of 1956. The first eight tracks on disc one are a live quintet side recorded with fellow reedman Bob Cooper. The interplay between Cooper and Shank is outstanding. Cooper was one of the few jazzmen of his era who was as accomplished on the oboe as he was on the saxophone. The following two studio sides that make up the balance of disc one and all of disc two are Shank's best-known quartet minus Cooper. These are all killer dates and offer a perfect view of the West Coast jazz period at its very best." (Thom Jurek, Allmusic)
