ART PEPPER
Meets The Rhythm Section (Contemporary)
Reviewed by Ron Saranich

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Originally recorded all in one January day in 1957, Art Pepper Meets The Rhythm Section has just been remastered in 20-bit sound. This music is definitive jazz at its best, belonging in every serious jazz collection. Even if your already own this marvelous music, the enhanced sound on this cd forces one to consider purchasing a second copy.

The story behind this album has always amazed me. Pepper, experiencing difficult times due to his strong addiction to narcotics and thus not having even played his instrument for several weeks, was unaware that he had a recording session scheduled. He showed up at Contemporary Studios with his alto saxophone damaged, so he taped a dried out piece of cork to his mouthpiece with a Band-Aid and went to meet his band mates. To his surprise, Contemporary had assembled Miles Davis' then-current rhythm section of Red Garland (piano), Paul Chambers (bass), and Philly Joe Jones (drums). These were musicians Pepper had idolized for years.

The resulting music reflects the esteem these musicians held for each other. The playing throughout is emotional intense yet stunningly focussed. The band plays slow, medium, and fast numbers with equal virtuosity. All the songs were played and thus recorded only once.

The songs consist mostly of popular and jazz standards such as "You'd Be so Nice To Come Home To," "Imagination," "Tin Tin Deo," and "Straight Life." Pepper succeeded beyond his wildest dreams in conveying the emotional intensity he was living at that moment. This music will haunt the listener for days, touching their soul unlike few jazz recording made before or after this release. A truly inspired moment in the history of jazz.

© 2000 - Ron Saranich