Art Pepper - Straight Life, The Savoy Sessions (1953-54)

Art Pepper - Straight Life (The Savoy Sessions 1953-54 )


Savoy Sessions includes two different sessions:
One, from 1952, with The Art Pepper Quartet and
The other, from 1953, with The Art Pepper Quintet.


This double-LP reissues two of altoist Art Pepper's earliest studio dates as a leader. On four songs he is joined by pianist Russ Freeman, bassist Bob Whitlock and drummer Bobby White, a quiet trio that allows Pepper to dominate such songs as "Everything Happens to Me" and "Tickle Toe."

In addition, Pepper matches harmonies and wits with tenor saxophonist Jack Montrose (along with pianist Claude Williamson, bassist Monty Budwig and drummer Larry Bunker) on eight exuberant numbers including the earliest recording of Art's famous "Straight Life."

But that is not all, for the second of these two LPs contains previously unissued alternate takes of all but one of the 11 pieces. Because Pepper and Montrose were in very good form during the performances, they are well worth hearing twice.


Title
01. Straight Life 3:09
02. Chili Pepper 2:59
03. Cinnamon 3:09
04. Tickle Toe 3:59
05. Suzy The Poodle 3:09
06. Everything Happens to Me 3:13
07. Nutmeg 2:52
08. Deep Purple 3:13
09. Whats New 3:48
10. Thyme Time 3:29
11. Arts Oregano 2:53
12. The Way You Look Tonight 3:28
13. Straight Life part 2 2:54

Credits:

Art Pepper Quartet (Los Angeles, CA, October 8, 1952) (2, 4, 5, 6)

Art Pepper (as)
Russ Freeman (p)
Bob Whitlock (b)
Bobby White (d)

Art Pepper Quintet (Los Angeles, CA, August 25, 1953) (1, 3, 7-13)

Art Pepper (as)
Jack Montrose (ts)
Claude Williamson (p)
Monty Budwig (b)
Paul Ballerina (d -3, 7, 8, 9)
Larry Bunker (d -1, 10, 11, 12, 13)