In that regard, you might find an interesting detour (but just that...) of Shank's MOR World Pacific albums from the mid-60s through the very early 70s. As with most such affairs, "improvisation" is not at all a real consideration, but interpretation of a melody is, and as such a focus on tone is paramount.
I can't exactly say that I came away with a new appreciation of Bud Shank, but I can say that whatever all those hours in the studio did to burn him out, they also allowed him to fine-tune his tone to the utmost degree.