Pepper, Art
Widows Taste, 2007, CD
Instrument: Saxophone
Issue: 14.2
Jazz Ruler Type: Bebop
Performance: 5
Sound: 2
Score: 
O’s Notes: This 2-Disc set captures Pepper’s last tour of Japan. It was in Hokkaido, the northernmost island during 1981, a year before Art died. This material was captured on a cassette player hooked directly to the board, hence the hiss. But the music is incredible! Pepper (sax) is on top of his game playing with wild emotion. His support comes from George Cables (p), David Williams (b) and Carl Burnett (d), perhaps his best touring band. Seven of the eleven tracks are Pepper originals. He takes ownership of the covers with his passionate arrangements fueled by the uncharacteristically engaging Japanese audience. “Goodbye” serves as a platform for Cables to shine and “Body & Soul” pleases Art as one of his best ever renditions. “For Freddie” and “Landscape” are also top notch in this concert, one Pepper’s best recordings for sure!
Publicist: Terri Hinte
