Search - Art Pepper :: Art of Pepper

My favorite Art Pepper album

Rick loves jazz | Sacramento, Ca | 02/03/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Art Pepper is one of those tortured jazz geniuses that you read about; in and out of prison on drug convictions, numerous marriages, and the whole thing. Interestingly, you never hear this in recordings in his early period. Pepper was an up-beat alto sax player in his early years, and he played with a lot of swing. While others have reviewed (and loved) recordings such as "Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section" (as well they should), I like this recording better.



First of all, this was Pepper's working group and they played together like they knew each other. Second, the choice of material is amazing. There are no bad tracks here. Third, everything really swings. Pepper is really at the top of his game, and this means great improvization, that sharp, light tone, quicksilver tempos (sometimes)and a sound and style that really make you feel good.



While Pepper's late period resulted in recordings that make you feel like you have his entire soul exposed to the world (he played with great emotion and self-disclosure), this recording from his early period is great fun and shows the other side of his personality."