Search - Pepper Adams :: Master

Partial Review........Tracks 11 thru 17 Only

Robert J. Ament | Ballwin, MO United States | 07/18/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Obviously this is a combination of "The Masters" Muse recording of 1980, which I have, and I think two other earlier recordings, possibly "Reflectory" from 1978 and the cuts Pepper appeared on from "Generations" in 1985. Anyway, if you're familiar with Pepper Adams...'nuff said. If not , he ranks right along side with Gerry Mulligan, Nick Brignola, Harry Carney and Serge Chaloff, who followed Harry Carney but preceeded Gerry Mulligan, and who was a member of the famed Four Brothers Woody Herman band. The point here is that's pretty elite company! Tracks 11 thu 16 are some of the best Pepper Adams work I've heard. On these tracks, Tommy Flanagan is on piano and George Mraz on bass. Leroy Williams is on drums and is very capable although I don't remember his name from other recordings. It's a good mix of tempos and includes 4 originals. I always enjoy listening to the Adam's solos as he frquently manages to quote freely from other melodies. I apologize for an incomplete review but if you like hard bop and the sound of a good baritone sax, this is probably a pretty safe bet!"