Omnivore and Laurie Pepper are finally releasing the previously issued lps of Art Pepper’s last years in concert in cd form. This latest volume is from 1981, when Pepper’s tone was still warm and clearn, and he’s with the stellar team of George Cables/p, David Williams/b and Carl Burnett/dr during a tour of Japan. There’s only 3 songs here, but they range from 9-18 minutes, with the band really stretching out on the feisty and exciting “Mambo Koyama.” Pepper is filled with ideas here, and Cables delivers a tour de force solo as well. A solo intro on “Over The Rainbow” is a gorgeous highlight, while the bopping blueser “Allen’s Alley” shows the elastic rhythm team at its best. Pepper always wore his musical heart on his sleeve, and no one made you feel each note more intently. Not a glib nanosecond here. When jazz musicians really meant what they said.
Omnivore Recordings