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. 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. Tenor saxophonist
Jack Montrose obviously stimulates
Pepper on the third date; the rhythm section is made up of pianist
Claude Williamson, bassist
Monty Budwig, and either Paul Vallerina or
Larry Bunker on drums. The two versions of "Nutmeg" (yet another variation of "I Got Rhythm") find the two reedmen playing off one another with finesse, along with brief solos by
Williamson and
Budwig. The saxmen also shine in a somewhat brisk take of the standard "Deep Purple" and the two takes of
Bob Haggart's lovely "What's New?" The title to the frenetic "Straight Life" is a bit ironic, given
Pepper's battle with narcotics abuse, but it is one of the most provocative selections of this compilation. Completists may grouse about the missing (and viable) alternate takes, but the sound restoration on this Savoy reissue is head and shoulders above earlier editions of this valuable music. ~ Ken Dryden