Art Pepper Surf Ride

Art Pepper - The Complete Surf Ride Plus (1951-1954) {2CD Set Savoy Jazz Japan COCB-53010~11 rel 2002}
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© 1951-54, 2002 Savoy Jazz / Nippon Columbia Japan | COCB-53010~11
Jazz / Bop / West Coast Jazz / Saxophone

An expanded version of SV-115 Art Pepper - Surf Ride. The first date finds the alto saxophonist in fine form, leading a quartet consisting of pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Joe Mondragon, and drummer Larry Bunker. Pepper primarily sticks to originals, though he offers a warm rendition of the standard "These Foolish Things" as well. Pepper sounds a little more adventurous on the second date, accompanied by pianist Russ Freeman, bassist Bob Whitlock, and drummer Bobby White. Two takes of "Chili Pepper" (a Latin-flavored reworking of the venerable "Tea for Two"), two versions of the rapid-fire "Suzy the Poodle" (based upon "[Back Home Again In] Indiana"), a lush arrangement of the ballad "Everything Happens to Me," and a swinging performance of Lester Young's "Tickle Toe" (which incorporates cornetist Bix Beiderbecke's tag from the recording of Paul Whiteman's "When") make up this session.

Art Pepper - The Art Of Pepper - The Complete Art Pepper Aladdin Recordings, Vol. 3 (1957) { {Blue Note CDP 7 46853 2 rel 1988}
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© 1957, 1988 Blue Note / EMI-Manhattan Records | CDP 7 46853 2
Jazz / Bop / Cool / West Coast Jazz / Saxophone

The third of three volumes chronicling Pepper's complete Aladdin recordings, Blue Note's Art of Pepper, Vol. 3 finds the West Coast alto saxophonist in top form over the course of 12 stunning cuts. Recorded in 1957, the set takes in both Pepper originals ("Holiday Flight," "Surf Ride") and choice standards ("Long Ago and Faraway," "Without a Song"). There's also a fine cover of the rare Bud Powell cut "Webb City." Topped off with excellent work by pianist Carl Perkins, bassist Ben Tucker, and drummer Chuck Flores, this collection is a must-have for all Pepper fans.

The three CDs in Art Pepper's Mosaic Select volume – limited to 5000 sets – contain the three albums he did for Pacific Jazz – The Return of Art Pepper (titled as such as after a stay in a Texas Federal Prison), Modern Art, and The Art of Pepper – complete with alternate takes not available on the original CD issues, and two sessions headed by Joe Morello and Bill Perkins, totaling 45 cuts in all. This is not substandard playing, but fully realized, mature Art Pepper at his creative peak. These sets compiled by Michael Cuscuna also contain the CD release essays by the late writer Pete Welding.

Art Pepper - The Discovery Sessions (1952) {Savoy Jazz 92846-2 rel 1999}
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© 1952, 1999 Atlantic / Savoy Jazz | 92846-2
Jazz / Cool / West Coast Jazz / Saxophone

Most of Art Pepper's first three studio dates as a leader are represented in this compilation, though a few previously issued alternate takes are omitted. The first date finds the alto saxophonist in fine form, leading a quartet consisting of pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Joe Mondragon, and drummer Larry Bunker. Pepper primarily sticks to originals, though he offers a warm rendition of the standard "These Foolish Things" as well. Pepper sounds a little more adventurous on the second date, accompanied by pianist Russ Freeman, bassist Bob Whitlock, and drummer Bobby White.

Art Pepper - Straight Life (1979) {Galaxy OJCCD-475-2 rel 1990}
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© 1979, 1990 Galaxy Records / Fantasy | OJCCD-475-2
Jazz / Post Bop / West Coast Jazz / Saxophone

Altoist Art Pepper recorded many albums for the Galaxy label during 1979-1982. Straight Life is pretty definitive and serves as a perfect introduction to Pepper's second (and most rewarding) period. Not only is there a superior version of Pepper's famous title cut but very emotional (and explorative) renditions of "September Song" and "Nature Boy." The quartet also featured pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Billy Higgins. Brilliant music.

This giant 16-CD Galaxy set features Pepper at the peak of his powers. Most of the performances are in a quartet setting, although this collection also includes a session with strings, five unaccompanied alto solos (he also plays clarinet on a few tracks), and a pair of CDs in which Pepper performs duets with pianist George Cables. Although more general collectors may want to acquire some of the individual sessions first (most of which are available separately on CD), the more dedicated jazz fans are advised to save their money and acquire this essential package.