Art Pepper - Living Legend (1975) [2006 Jazz紙ジャケ十八番]

Art Pepper, one of the major bop altoists to emerge during the '50s, started his comeback with this excellent set, Living Legend. After 15 years filled with prison time and fighting drug addiction, Pepper was finally ready to return to jazz. Accompanied by three of his old friends (pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Charlie Haden and drummer Shelly Manne), Pepper displays a more explorative and darker style than he had previously. He also shows a greater emotional depth in his improvisations and was open to some of the innovations of the avant-garde in his search for greater self-expression. Although this recording would be topped by the ones to come, the music (five Pepper originals and an intense version of "Here's That Rainy Day") is quite rewarding.

Tracks:

01. Ophelia (Pepper) - 7:54
02. Here's That Rainy Day (Burke-Van Heusen) - 5:40
03. What Laurie Likes (Pepper) - 6:45
04. Mr. Yohe (Pepper) - 7:13
05. Lost Life (Pepper) - 5:56
06. Samba Mom-Mom (Pepper) - 8:21
07. Samba Mom-Mom (alternate take) (Pepper) - 7:05

Personnel:

Art Pepper - alto saxophone
Hampton Hawes - piano
Charlie Haden - bass
Shelly Manne - drums

Recorded at Contemporary's Studios, Los Angeles, CA on August 9, 1975.