Peerless Art Pepper & Friends

by Bob Powers

G21 Music Writer

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Bob Powers

Five CDs spotlighting the genius of Art Pepper make for one of the most exciting packages to come to record shops this year. Pepper, who possessed startling abilities on the alto saxophone, died in 1982 after a life filled with problems caused by his use of drugs.

The sessions immortalized by this tremendous package were recorded between March of 1979 and January 1982. Pepper was not in good health during those three-plus years, but you'd never know it after listening. The man had an unconquerable passion for jazz, and it shows in nearly every tune in this amazing package.

A 36-page booklet includes numerous color photos of Pepper and his cohorts, with an excellent biographical article written by Pepper's wife, Laurie. As she writes at the end of her piece, "And what a joy this music is to listen to -- over and over again."

"Art Pepper: The Hollywood All-Star Sessions" (Galaxy Records) contains contributions by some of the major names of that era, including Monty Budwig, Carl Burnett, Bob Cooper, Chuck Domanico, John Dentz, Tony Dumas, Russ Freeman, John Heard, Pete Jolly, Lee Konitz, Mike Lang, Milcho Leviev, Lou Levy, Bob Magnusson, Shelly Manne, Roy McCurdy, Jack Sheldon, Sonny Stitt and Bill Watrous.

A personal note: I requested this collection several months ago from Terri Hinte, the always efficient and friendly publicity for Fantasy Records in San Francisco. She shipped me the boxed set and I promptly managed to lose it (difficult to accomplish with its bulk) and only came across the package a couple of weeks ago. Terri, please excuse the long delay.

The Songs of Strayhorn

Singer Allan Harris has come forth with an excellent new album devoted to the songs of Billy Strayhorn, who for years worked with Duke Ellington. Strayhorn has achieved more recognition after his death than he would attain as a vital member of Ellington's organization.

Harris has been around a while, since "Love Came: The Songs of Strayhorn" (Love Productions Records) is his seventh album. And it's a dandy.

Supported by an array of name musicians, Harris puts his voice and his heart into this recording. It's not easy to settle on a favorite track, since nearly all of them will grab you in one way or another.

Harris is one of those singers whose voice sounds somewhat ordinary. But his delivery and passion make the album sizzle. He sounds like these 14 songs are his all-time personal favorites. And those tunes may well become your favorites, too. The collection includes such familiar compositions as "Lotus Blossom" and"Lushlife," each sounding sublime. But there are such rare gems as "A Flower Is a Lovesome Thing" and "My Little Brown Book."

The sharp pianist Eric Reed heads the band and adds his distinctive sound to these tracks.

With seven albums to his credit, it's about time that fate makes Allan Harris a household name. Couldn't happen to a more deserving young man.

Varro-Kellso Pairing A-OK

Johnny Varro is one terrific pianist, playing the brand of jazz classified as swing with aplomb and creating smiles of satisfaction everywhere he travels. He returns to the recording studio and comes out with a home run called "All That Jazz" (Arbors Records). Along for more than just the ride is Jon-Erik Kello, who plays a puje, which he calls as something of a cross between a cornet and a trumpet. Drummer Tony DeNicola's brother Bob originally crafted the instrument.

"All That Jazz" contains some exceedingly pleasant solos by Varro, whose keyboard work smoothly satisfies throughout. Kellso tends to dominate the session, since trumpet-like sounds would be expected to push the Varro piano to the back. But Varro doesn't let that happen. Don't misunderstand. These tunes are not used as cutting contests. The music contains plenty of excitement, but never at the expense of the songs selected.

Nicki Parrott sits in on the bass, and the estimable Joe Ascione plays drums. Songs are selected carefully, giving the listener entré into lesser played standards, including "The Lady's in Love With You," "Was I to Blame for Falling in Love With You?" and the superb "Darn That Dream."

This would make a fine present for the holidays for that music fan that appreciates swing.

Steve Vai: Travelin' Man

All right, start thinking of your favorite rock guitarists. I suspect that Steve Vai doesn't spring to mind in your Top 10 of the times. But wait just a minute; perhaps you should listen to "Alive in an Ultra World," (Epic Records). You might just pick up the eraser on your desk and start inserting an extra name, making the Top 10 turn out to be the Top 11. And it's likely that Steve Vai won't be number 11.

What I'm saying in my convoluted manner is that Mr. Vai deserves a listen. His new album contains two CDs. The gimmick, and it's a good one, took Vai and fellow musicians on a world tour. The two CDs contain 15 songs, each made in a different location. Cute, huh?

Vai attempts to capture the sound of the country where he's performing. Those places include Poland, Japan, Germany, Holland, the UK, Ireland, and so forth. There are six musicians backing Vai, and they're good ones.

"Live in an Ultra World" captures all the heat and excitement of one fine guitar plucker and should give plenty of rockers hours of delight.

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