I’ve loved Art Pepper since way back in the early days exploring jazz. But I haven’t really explored his later work in depth. I’ve known he released plenty of stuff later in his career, but I never bought anything up until a couple of weeks ago when I saw this title in the bins at a local record store. I figured it was time I got some 70’s Pepper into the collection. And that was a great choice for sure as it’s a lovely album.
Recorded live at the legendary Village Vanguard in New York City. This is the first of three albums recorded on the 28th, 29th & 30th of July in 1977. Pepper plays emotional and lyrical as usual, incorporating a West Coast melancholy touch and tone that I associate him with since his early career. He sounds very refined here, displaying his subtle brilliance and control and his heartfelt alto tone. To be able to play this great, notwithstanding the mileage of his life and the hard drugs he consumed, is nothing short of a miracle.
Pepper is backed by a great rhythm section here. We have George Cables on piano, George Mraz on double bass and Elvin Jones on drums.
I’ll be sure to keep an eye out for the other volumes as well.