Bud Shank / Lou Levy - Lost in the Stars. The Sinatra Songbook (1990/2020)

Lou Levy, who has for years been called the Silver Fox, and Bud Shank are what jazz is all about. This album is keeping good music, and particularly my songs, alive!" - Frank Sinatra

Alto saxophonist Bud Shank and pianist Lou Levy joined forces for this tribute to Frank Sinatra, covering standards from the Great American Songbook that are indelibly associated with him. From the very beginning, it's obvious that both of these veteran musicians are in top form, beginning with the lively bossa nova treatment of "Night and Day." Levy's shimmering introduction to "Lost in the Stars" sets up Shank's gorgeous solo, while their introspective take of "Yesterdays" conveys the message of the song, though its lyrics aren't heard. Levy brings out the loneliness of "Spring Is Here" with an emotional introduction, followed by Shank's equally powerful sax. Sinatra himself put the stamp of approval on this CD, describing the duo as "what jazz is all about." It's hard to disagree with the singer's assessment of this excellent date by Bud Shank and Lou Levy.