Search - Art Pepper :: Thursday Night at the Village Vanguard

High Note in the Life of the Troubled Art Pepper

Robert Miner | St. Louis, MO USA | 12/07/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Art Pepper was a gifted but troubled saxophone player who struggled with a serious heroin addiction he apparently never fully beat. This recording is a live date after one of his longer stints in a California prison-- and certainly a high note in a troubled career.A veteran of Kenton's big band, but a devotee of Coltrane, here he is struggling to redefine his sound. Coltrane's drummer Elvin Jones is on the date along with George Mraz. The back-up players provide a safety net for Pepper as he struggles with his personal demons. This music is soft and beautiful, but very emotionally exposed.The recording quality is absolutely exceptional-- you can almost hear the smoke in the nightclub. While Pepper's playing may not be at his most crisp, he never communicated better. This would be my recommendation for anyone coming to Pepper for the first time. I believe it's an even better record than the much praised Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section-- a well-played, mainstream date with the rhythm section of the Miles Davis Quintet."

A Must For All Fans of Art

Brenlen Jinkens | London, England United Kingdom | 08/31/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is a must have for all fans of Art Pepper. He's just back from yet another sojourn in prison, and the emotion of being at the Vanguard comes through loud and clear. Valse Triste and Blues For Les showcase the trademark Pepper virtuosity and almost masochistic search for emotional depth. The man's playing is practically naked. What makes this, and the other Vanguard sessions, special is the more than usually competent accompaniement from George Mraz on bass, George Cables on piano and Elvin Jones on drums. This music will open your ears and your heart."