“The Return Of Art Pepper” is an album by Art Pepper, recorded in August 1956 at Capitol Studios, Hollywood, and originally released on Jazz:West Records (JWLP-10). The Jazz Workshop Vinyl reissue as a 180-gram audiophile LP (JW-084) revives this record with remastering that highlights the saxophone’s warmth. The lineup features Art Pepper (alto saxophone), Jack Sheldon (trumpet), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Russ Freeman (piano), and Shelly Manne (drums). The album includes standards like Broadway and You Go to My Head, plus Pepper’s originals. The music is West Coast jazz with bebop roots, with Pepper’s saxophone lyrical and passionate, and Sheldon adding bright accents. The Jazz Workshop reissue, limited to 500 copies, is prized for its clean, emotive sound, capturing Pepper’s magic. “The Return Of Art Pepper” is a vibrant classic, showcasing his expressiveness.
Art Pepper (September 1, 1925 – June 15, 1982) was an American alto saxophonist, an icon of West Coast jazz. Born in Gardena, California, he began on clarinet before switching to alto saxophone, inspired by Benny Carter and Charlie Parker. In the 1950s, Pepper became a star of the Los Angeles scene, collaborating with Stan Kenton and Shorty Rogers. His style blended bebop intensity with lyrical, emotional delivery, making him one of his era’s most expressive saxophonists. Pepper recorded numerous albums, and his works remain jazz classics. Later, he taught and wrote memoirs, sharing his experiences.
TRACKLIST
Side One:
1. Pepper Returns (Art Pepper) 4:24
2. Broadway (DeSylva-Henderson-Brown) 4:57
3. You Go to My Head (Coots-Gillespie) 4:15
4. Angel Wings (Art Pepper) 4:40
5. Funny Blues (Art Pepper) 4:35
Side Two:
1. Five More (Art Pepper) 4:39
2. Minority (Art Pepper) 4:16
3. Patricia (Art Pepper) 3:35
4. Mambo de la Pinta (Art Pepper) 4:14
5. Walkin’ Out Blues (Art Pepper) 5:54
Personnel:
Art Pepper (alto sax), Jack Sheldon (trumpet), Russ Freeman (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Shelly Mane (drums). All arrangements by Art Pepper.
The music on this album was recorded in August, 1956, at the Capitol Recording Studios, Hollywood.
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