Bud Shank

Bud Shank (born Clifford Everett Shank Jr., May 27, 1926 – April 2, 2009) was an American alto saxophonist, flautist, and jazz musician. He was a prominent figure in West Coast jazz during the 1950s and 1960s. Shank was known for his lyrical playing style and versatility, working in various genres including bebop, cool jazz, hard bop, and bossa nova.

Shank began his career playing with Charlie Barnet and Stan Kenton's orchestras. He subsequently became a founding member of the Lighthouse All-Stars and made numerous recordings under his own name, often featuring collaborations with other West Coast jazz musicians such as Chet Baker, Bob Cooper, and Shorty Rogers. His work in the 1960s saw him explore Brazilian music, resulting in collaborations with Brazilian musicians like Laurindo Almeida.

Throughout his career, Shank also contributed to numerous film and television soundtracks. He remained an active performer and recording artist until his death in 2009. His contributions helped define the sound of West Coast jazz and cemented his legacy as a significant figure in the genre.