Art Shows His Artisty

by Bob Powers

G21 Music Writer

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Bob Powers

MARIETTA, OH, USA - Art Pepper, dead some two decades, remains a vital part of the jazz world because of the activity that has brought several outstanding reissues from various labels in the Fantasy records stable. Recently I wrote about the boxed set of five wonderful CDs, issued on the Galaxy label.

Now there's another Pepper treat, "Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section" (Contemporary Records). And what a sensational rhythm section it was, assembled in the Contemporary studies in Los Angeles on January 19, 1957. Backing Pepper, the only alto saxophone player in jazz who ranked in the general vicinity of Charlie Parker, were pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers and drummer Philly Joe Jones. At the time, these four men were considered in the highest echelons of the jazz world.

The 10 tracks recorded that auspicious day included a stellar selection of superb tunes which offered Pepper and his merry men ample opportunity to show off their considerable talents.

What makes this so enjoyable is that the remastering, using the 20 bit K2 super coding system, produces a superb sound that overcomes the usual remastering work done on material from the mid-50s. There are times when it seems that Pepper and friends recorded these numbers last week, not back in 1957.

I've been playing this disc for several weeks and it's one of those rare collaborations that doesn't wear out its welcome quickly. The choice of material has something to do with that. The album opens with a gorgeous version of "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To." Next up is a number featuring Garland, called "Red Pepper Blues." The sturdy ballad, "Imagination" gives lots of room for the special Pepper improvisation.

Later in the album, Pepper shines on an interesting arraignment of "Star Eyes." A nod to Dizzy Gillespie comes through in a zippy version of "Birk's Works." And the album comes to a pleasing close with six minutes and 35 seconds of the Gershwin brothers' "The Man I Love."

The original notes, written by Lester Koenig (who produced the album), offer interesting biographical tidbits that give added insight into the wonderful alto saxophone genius.

Tentet's Tunes Tantalizing

Arbors Records, whose releases cause wide smiles in the Powers household, have this old jazz codger grinning from each to ear once more. The new album by the George Masso Tentet wears the label, "At Long Last Love" and provides a ton of fun in the big band style.

True, 10 musicians don't officially qualify as a big band, but I promise you won't quibble over details or live bodies. The ten guys working at their highest skills deliver some of the finest swing music it's been my pleasure to absorb in many moons.

Masso wears several hats. He's the leader, plays trombone (beautifully), works in a few notes here and there on the piano, and has done all the arraignments. The tentet includes the accomplished Dick Johnson, working the clarinet and tenor saxophone. Lou Columbo adds his special touches on the trumpet. Mark Phaneuf demonstrates his wide-ranging versatility on the baritone sax, flute, and clarinet. The group has three trombonists, Artie Mentanaro, Dick Whaley and David Masso. The rhythm section consists of Jon Wheatley on guitar, Marshall Woods on bass, and Artie Cabral at the drums.

Masso talks in the notes about wanting for a long time to combine three trombones with the baritone sax "playing the role of the fourth trombone." Masso's decision makes the tentet have more of a full sound than anyone might expect from ten men.

The selections range from the tried and true to the surprises that sprinkle this delightful and always exciting album. My personal favorite is a fine, fine arrangement of "Ev'ry Time We Say Goodbye." That arraignment may become your special song as well. This is a marvelous one.

Nancy's Best Coming

A boxed set of Nancy Wilson's best recordings for Capitol Records will hit record store shelves on Feb. 12. If the sampler I received from Capitol is any indication, "The Essence of Nancy Wilson" will be one of the New Year's choicest prizes.

My sampler opens with the beautiful ballad written many years ago by bandleader Buddy Johnson, "Save Your Love for Me." On one of her earliest recordings, the beautiful Nancy receives excellent support from the Cannonball Adderley Quintet. The sampler also contains an excellent live version of "I Can't Get Started." It winds up with a stunning version of "Guess Who I Saw Today."

Save your pennies and be first in line at the local record store on Feb. 12. You won't be sorry.

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