Saxophonist Art Pepper got his start playing in the bands of Stan Kenton and Benny Carter in the mid '40s to early '50s. It was during this time he gained the recognition he needed to work his way into the West Coast jazz scene and into bands with Chet Baker, Marty Paich, and in the late '60s the Buddy Rich Big Band.
Pepper had a real pleasing sound on the alto saxophone. He had a remarkable lyricism and ability to take the melody of a composition and make it his own. His own improvisations were logical and expressive.
He is also regarded as one of the most original alto saxophonist of the post-Parker era along side of Paul Desmond and Lee Konitz. A very good listener will only have to hear a few notes to tell it's Pepper playing.
Like many jazz musicians in the late '40s and '50s Pepper became addicted to drugs. This put a damper on his career during the '60s when he had to serve consecutive prison sentences for possession of heroin. It is unfortunate this all occurred, because Pepper was really starting to come into his own in the late '50s having played with some of Miles Davis sidemen: Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Jimmy Cobb, Wynton Kelly, and Philly Joe Jones. Other notable Pepper sidemen include Jake Sheldon, Tommy Flanagan, Billy Higgins, Frank Butler, Conte Candoli, Stanley Cowell, Cecil McBee, Roy Haynes, Elvin Jones, among others.
In the mid '70s, Pepper made huge comeback and released a string of recordings that mark his place in the jazz history books. His star looked like it was shining bright until he suffered a brain hemorrhage and died in 1982.
He left behind a legacy of music that will forever be enjoyed by people willing to understand the torment and agony that this musician has endured in his life.
Essential recordings:
Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section - 1957 Contemporary Records
The Complete Village Vanguard Sessions - 1977 Contemporary Records
The Hollywood All-Star Sessions - 1979-1982 Galaxy Records
Art Pepper + Eleven - 1959 Contemporary Records
Straight Life - 1979 Galaxy Records
Winter Moon - 1980 Galaxy Records
Intensity - 1960 Contemporary Records
Smack Up - 1960 Contemporary Records
One September Afternoon - 1980 Galaxy Records
