L.A. 4 - Concierto de Aranjuez (1976-1987) FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

The second recording and first studio set by the L.A. Four matched together Bud Shank on alto and flute, guitarist Laurindo Almeida, bassist Ray Brown, and drummer Shelly Manne for a diverse yet consistently enjoyable program. The selections range from "Dindi" and "Manteca" to "St. Thomas" and a 13-minute exploration of "Concierto de Aranjuez." As usual, the band mixes together bossa nova and Brazilian jazz, some touches of classical music, and cool-toned bop. Recommended as a strong example of the group's appealing sound. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Dindi 5:55
Ray Gilbert / Antônio Carlos Jobim
2     Rainbows 6:46
Bud Shank
3     Rondo Espressivo 4:44
Emanuel Bach
4     Manteca 7:46
Gil Fuller / Dizzy Gillespie / Chano Pozo
5     St. Thomas 7:30
Sonny Rollins
6     Concierto de Aranjuez: Adagio Movement 13:14
Joaquín Rodrigo
Credits :
Alto Saxophone, Flute – Bud Shank
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Shelly Manne
Guitar – Laurindo Almeida

L.A. 4 - Watch What Happens (1978-1990) APE (tracks+.cue), lossless

For their third recording, the L.A. Four had drummer Jeff Hamilton permanently taking Shelly Manne's place but otherwise utilized their original players (altoist-flutist Bud Shank, guitarist Laurindo Almeida, and bassist Ray Brown). Most unusual in their repertoire on this set is Chuck Mangione's "Land of Make Believe," which was a current pop hit. Otherwise, the tunes are the usual mixtures of bossas, classical numbers, and standards, including "Summertime," "Mona Lisa," and "Nuages." Tasteful and lightly swinging music. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Watch What Happens 5:24
Norman Gimbel / Michel Legrand
2     Summertime 5:14
George Gershwin / Ira Gershwin / DuBose Heyward
3     Mona Lisa 4:55
Ray Evans / Jay Livingston
4     Williwaw 5:27
Bud Shank / Laurindo Almeida         
5     Land of Make Believe 6:55
Chuck Mangione
6     Nuages 5:48
Django Reinhardt     
7     Misty 7:42
Johnny Burke / Erroll Garner
Credits :
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Jeff Hamilton
Guitar – Laurindo Almeida
Saxophone [Alto], Flute – Bud Shank

L.A. 4 - Executive Suite (1983-1995) FLAC (tracks), lossless

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. by Scott Yanow
Tracklist :
1     Blues Wellington 5:42
Jeff Hamilton
2     Amazonia 4:38
Laurindo Almeida
3     Você e Eu (You and I) 4:21
Norman Gimbel / Carlos Lyra / Vinícius de Moraes
4     Simple Invention 6:27
Johann Sebastian Bach
5     Entr'acte 6:55
Jacques Ibert
6     My Funny Valentine 7:35
Lorenz Hart / Richard Rodgers
7     Chega de Saudade (No More Blues) 5:41
Antônio Carlos Jobim / Vinícius de Moraes
Credits :
Alto Saxophone – Bud Shank
Bass – Ray Brown
Drums – Jeff Hamilton
Guitar – Laurindo Almeida