LA4 – Executive Suite

Eight years after their debut recording, the L.A. Four (guitarist Laurindo Almeida, Bud Shank on alto and flute, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Jeff Hamilton) recorded their eighth and final album. The band and its concept had not run out of gas, but Shank was soon to give up the flute altogether and play a more forceful brand of straight-ahead jazz. On this last effort, the L.A. Four as usual mixes cool-toned jazz, Brazilian music, and classical to form an appealing blend. Two group originals, a few classical themes, “My Funny Valentine,” and Antonio Carlos Jobim’s “Chega de Saudade” comprise the attractive set. Recommended.