This 3 disc set of previously unreleased material from the vaults of widow Laurie Pepper may be the most important collection of “Unreleased Art” yet. Featuring alto legend Art Pepper in a Toronto set of concerts in 1977, just before his legendary “return” to jazz at the Village Vanguard which resulted in the classic series of albums with Elvin Jones, George Cables and George Mraz. This set is sort of a primer with a “pickup” band of locals that is still impressive. Bernie Senensky/p, Terry Clarke/ds and either Gene Perla or a very young Dave Piltch on bass provide simpatico support as Pepper shows his newfound love and influence in John Coltrane and Miles Davis with a much more assertive style and tone, but still keeping his inherent lyricism.
The material is a mix of material from his latest two albums (The Trip and Living Legend) mixed with jazz standards. From The Trip, Pepper is wonderfully warm on “The Summer Knows” and poignant on his tribute to friend Joe Gordon on “A Song For Richard.” Pepper and company bear down and stretch out oN “Samba Mom-Mom” and a thoughtful “Here’s That Rainy Day” while Pepper gets caliente as he tears into “Long Ago and Far Away” and bops with delight on “All the Things You Are. “ Impressive support and solos by Senensky and the crisp support by the rest of the band makes this a real winner.
An extra bonus is a 30 minute interview with Hal Hill. On this chat, Pepper discusses his return to the spotlight as well as his thoughts on a plugged in Miles Davis (a major positive) and John Coltrane (ditto). His observations about the then “new generation” of musicians is quite interesting, and his reference to Charlie Parker and Lester Young as his major influences makes sense as to why his sound and style has lasted so long. A real joy!