Art Pepper - Among Friends (1978) [1988]

Art Pepper mostly sticks to standards on this Discovery LP, but he brings out new life in the veteran songs, particularly on such ballads as "Round Midnight," "What's New" and "Besame Mucho." With the assistance of pianist Russ Freeman, bassist Bob Magnusson and drummer Frank Butler, the great altoist (who is heard just prior to signing an exclusive contract with the Galaxy label) is also in top form on such pieces as "What Is This Thing Called Love" and "I'll Remember April." An excellent (if not quite essential) release

Tracks:

01. Among Friends (Pepper) - 6:25
02. 'Round Midnight (Monk-Williams-Hanighen) - 6:48
03. I'm Getting Sentimental over You (Washington-Bassman) - 5:03
04. Blue Bossa (Dorham) - 4:23
05. What Is This Thing Called Love (Porter) - 4:28
06. What's New (Haggart-Burke) - 5:54
07. Besame Mucho (Velasquez-Skylar) - 7:02
08. I'll Remember April (DePaul-Johnston-Raye) - 5:41

Personnel:

Art Pepper - alto saxophone
Russ Freeman - piano
Bob Magnusson - bass
Frank Butler - drums

Recorded at United/Western Studios, Hollywood, CA on September 8, 1978.