When it comes to audiophile vinyl reissues, the spotlight often falls on the same handful of legendary jazz titles. But in a recent Quick Takes column for Copper, the online magazine published by PS Audio, writer Frank Doris encourages listeners to look beyond the usual suspects—and one of his highest recommendations is Impex Records’ outstanding reissue of Bud Shank – Holiday in Brazil.
Doris describes the album as “a hidden gem,” noting that it stands out for two reasons. First, Bud Shank isn’t an artist most collectors would expect to receive a premium audiophile reissue. Second, the 1959 recording serves as an early precursor to the bossa nova movement that would soon captivate audiences worldwide.
An Overlooked Classic Before the Bossa Nova Boom
Originally released by World Pacific Records (and also issued as Brazilliance, Vol. 2), Holiday in Brazil pairs Bud Shank’s lyrical alto saxophone and flute with the elegant nylon-string guitar and orchestrations of Laurindo Almeida. The ensemble is completed by Gary Peacock on bass and Chuck Flores on drums and percussion, creating an intimate recording that blends West Coast jazz with Brazilian influences.
According to Doris, the result is “understated, quiet, and sparse, but as satisfying as any Brazilian-influenced album you’ll ever hear.”
More than six decades after its original release, Holiday in Brazil remains a fascinating musical bridge between American jazz and the Brazilian sounds that would soon become a worldwide phenomenon.
Impex Delivers the Audiophile Treatment
Copper also highlights the exceptional care Impex Records devoted to bringing this overlooked recording back to vinyl.
The reissue features:
- Mastered from the original analog master tapes by Chris Bellman at Bernie Grundman Mastering
- An all-analog (AAA) production chain
- Premium 180-gram vinyl pressed at Record Technology, Inc. (RTI)
- Deluxe collector-grade packaging
It’s exactly the kind of meticulous craftsmanship that has made Impex Records one of the most respected names in audiophile vinyl.
Frank Doris Praises the Sound Quality
While Doris notes that listeners shouldn’t expect the expansive soundstage often associated with modern audiophile recordings, he emphasizes that Holiday in Brazil excels in other ways.
He praises the recording’s sweet, natural tonal balance, exceptional clarity, and realistic dynamics. With only a handful of musicians performing throughout the album, every subtle musical nuance becomes easy to appreciate—from Bud Shank’s expressive vibrato to Laurindo Almeida’s intricate fingerwork on nylon-string guitar.
One of the review’s standout observations comes during “Mood Antigua,” where Chuck Flores’ forceful tabla strikes provide what Doris describes as a genuine “jump in your seat” dynamic moment. He also points to Almeida’s vigorous guitar work as another example of the recording’s impressive dynamic range.
For Doris, the beauty of the album lies not in studio effects or exaggerated imaging, but in the authenticity of the instrumental tone and the natural presentation of the performance.
Music That Rewards Careful Listening
Copper also highlights the album’s varied musical program, from the proto-bossa nova interpretation of “I Didn’t Know What Time It Was” to the elegant chord melody introduction of “Little Girl Blue.” The lively “Choro in ‘A'” brings infectious rhythmic energy, while “Lonely” showcases the ensemble’s more reflective, expressive side.
Together, these performances demonstrate why Holiday’s performances in Brazil deserve to be rediscovered by today’s jazz listeners and vinyl collectors.
A Rediscovery Worth Adding to Your Collection
Frank Doris closes his review with praise for Impex Records’ willingness to champion albums that haven’t already become standard audiophile fare, writing:
“Not every audiophile reissue has to be a hoary old retread. My compliments to Impex Records for reintroducing this album for us to rediscover.”
We couldn’t agree more.
For anyone building a collection of premium jazz vinyl, Brazilian jazz, or AAA audiophile pressings, Impex Records’ Bud Shank – Holiday in Brazil offers something refreshingly different. It’s a beautifully produced reissue that combines historical significance, exceptional musicianship, and reference-quality sound—making it an easy recommendation for listeners looking to discover one of jazz’s overlooked treasures.
Explore Bud Shank – Holiday in Brazil on Elusive Disc and hear why Copper singled out this remarkable Impex Records release as a rediscovery worth celebrating.
Buy Bud Shank Holiday in Brazil on AAA 180g Vinyl HERE!
Buy Bud Shank Holiday in Brazil on Hybrid SACD HERE!
