Art Pepper's third recording in his comeback years was recorded in a studio but has the emotional intensity and chance-taking improvisations of his live concerts of the period. Joined by his regular group (pianist
George Cables, bassist
Tony Dumas, and drummer
Carl Burnett),
Pepper performs lengthy versions of three of his originals (including the modal "My Laurie") and "Ballad of the Sad Young Men." "Mambo de la Pinta" is a little unusual because
Pepper overdubbed himself on tenor to join his alto in the ensembles. Throughout this album (and during his final ten years),
Art Pepper played every note as if it might be his last one. The passion displayed on this particular album is enough of a reason by itself to acquire it. ~ Scott Yanow