"Herb Kimmel of Jazz:West recognized these facts, and decided that Jazz:West would be the first record company to present Art Pepper with a group under his leadership. This mean more than just the face that Art would get leader credits. It meant that Art had the oppourtnity to select the musicians used on the date, and also a chance to present some of his recent original compositions.
"Art Pepper has achieved recognition by the jazz world in general as being one of the all-time greats, and has placed in the top ten on Down Beat polls for almost a decade. A native Californian, Art was born in Gardena on September 1st, 1925. Music stirred Art's soul at the early age of nine, whne he took up the clarinet. He stuck by it until he was 12, then switched to this horn of destiny: alto sax. Mostly self taught and possessing a rare amount of natural talent, Art was first influenced by the great Joe Thomas, later by Lester Young, Johnny Hodges and the ballad master Ben Webster. Today Art digs Zoot Sims, Stan Getz, Lee Konitz, and naturally Bird. Pepper's proficiency propelled him into the spotlight at the age of 18 when he joined the Gus Arnheim band. A quick succession of better jobs followed in 1943 with such great bands as Lee Young's, the fine Benny Carter aggregation, and finally the enviable jazz alto chair with Stan Kenton. Being only 18 prohibited Art from travelling with Stan's band, so with much dismay, he stayed behind when the band went on the road. In February 1944, Art entered the service where he remained until 1946, during which time very little opportunity presented itself to play. After the war, Art returned to Los Angeles where he again joined the Kenton band in 1947, staying until 1951. During this great period in Art's career, close association with Shorty Rogers and Bill Russo proved quite beneficial. As Art says: 'Shorty and Bill were a great help to me in developing my playing and writing, and this was about the only 'schooling' I ever had.' In 1951 Art returned to Los Angeles where he fronted several exciting groups with such fine up and coming jazz artists as Hamp Hawes, Russ Freeman, Larry Bunker and Jack Montrose (with whom Art is now working with in a Hollywood jazz club). It was also during this period that Art recorded his famous version of 'Over the Rainbow' with Short Rogers' Giants, now considered a jazz classic. Even though Art Pepper has spent most of his jazz life on the West Coast, he has achieved honored distinction as one of the all time great jazzmen. Especially among musicians who eagerly seek his musical association, and hold his tremendous ability in the greatest respect. The likeable Pepper is quiet and soft spoken, yet when his alto speaks, the jazz world recognizes the unmistakable voice of a giant. Such is the regard for Art Pepper. Even though Art and his horn were not heard from too much from 1953 to 1956, as soon as you hear the first few bars in this album, it becomes apparent this is one of the great moments in modern jazz... the return of Art Pepper.
"In choosing musicians for this date, Art has come up with a dream group which unites itself into a wailing combo. For the other horn, the versatile trumpet of Jack Sheldon was selected. Jack, a familiar and exciting figure in jazz, is also heard on his own Jazz:West LP (JWLP-6). Sheldon's inspired blowing on this sessions guarantees him a higher rung on the jazz ladder of success. For rhythm, a close knit section was needed to infuse life into the group. Therefore, on drums Art selected the great Shelly Manne. On bass, the fabulous Blanton of modern jazz, Leroy Vinnegar, who proved so tremendous an asset on Kenny Drew's Jazz:West LP (JWLP-4). Added to this was the brilliant piano of the keeper of 88 sounds, Russ Freeman. Shelly, Russ and Leroy are no newcomers to each other, as they ae three swinging members of Shelly's great quintet. With remarkable ease, all five welded together breathing fire and spirit into the up tunes, sensitivity and taste into the ballads. No wonder Sheldon and Pepper blow with such superior facility as Russ, Shelly and Leroy boost them along. The awesome jazz ability of Art Pepper is even further demonstrated as he presents eight wonderful original compositions that run the gamut from blues to minor riffs, a ballad and an exciting Latin jazz tune. The happy mood felt by all is quite obvious in the hilarious execution of 'Funny Blues'. All the tunes offer lavish opportunity for the group's abundant ability, and showcase Pepper's horn in one of its finest hours, blowing chorus after chorus of classic flowing lines with the effortless ease of falling rain. I am sure as you listen to this album, a warm inner glow will develop, and a smile will cross your face as you realize this is not just jazz... this is great jazz." (Don Clark. From the liner notes.)
Performers: Art Pepper: a-sx, Jack Sheldon: tp, Russ Freeman: pi, Leroy Vinnegar: bs, Shelly Manne: dr
A1. Pepper Returns
A2. Broadway
A3. You Go To My Head
A4. Angel Wings
A5. Funny Blues
B1. Five More
B2. Minority
B3. Patricia
B4. Mambo De La Pinta
B5. Walkin' Out Blues
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