Art Pepper Complete Galaxy Recordings CD

THE COMPLETE GALAXY RECORDINGS contains 16 CDs worth of material recorded by Art Pepper during his 1978 to 1982 tenure with the Galaxy record label. This box set has 137 selections, including 53 previously unreleased tracks, with a total running time of 18 hours and 39 minutes. Also included is a 28-page booklet with an essay by Gary Giddins and rarely seen photos of Pepper from this period.

Altoist Art Pepper was at the height of his career during his final five years. A brilliant improviser in the 1950s, by the late '70s the many dark experiences he had had in life were reflected in a deep emotional intensity in his playing. He played each solo as if it might be his last and his passion was brutally honest. This giant 16-CD Galaxy set features Pepper at the peak of his powers. Most of the performances are in a quartet setting, although this collection also includes a session with strings, five unaccompanied alto solos (he also plays clarinet on a few tracks), and a pair of CDs in which Pepper performs duets with pianist George Cables. Although more general collectors may want to acquire some of the individual sessions first (most of which are available separately on CD), the more dedicated jazz fans are advised to save their money and acquire this essential package. ~ Scott Yanow

Personnel includes: Art Pepper (saxophone); Carl Burnett, George Cables, Ron Carter, Stanley Cowell, Tony Dumas, Tommy Flanagan, Al Foster, Charlie Haden, Roy Haynes, Billy Higgins, Hank Jones, Cecil McBee, Red Mitchel, Kenneth Nash, Howard Roberts, David Williams.

Personnel: Art Pepper (clarinet, alto saxophone); Howard Roberts (guitar); Dan Smiley, Audrey DeSilva, Elisabeth Gibson, Greg Mazmanian, Stephen Gehl, Emily VanValkenburgh, Clifton Foster, Patrice Anderson, Nathan Rubin, John Tenney (violin); Terry Adams , Sharon O'Connor, Mary Anne Meredith (cello); George Cables, Hank Jones , Stanley Cowell, Tommy Flanagan (piano); Al Foster, Roy Haynes, Billy Higgins, Carl Burnett (drums); Kenneth Nash (congas, cowbells, reco-reco, percussion).

Audio Mixers: Danny Kopelson; Richard Corsello; Baker Bigsby.

Audio Remixer: Danny Kopelson.

Liner Note Author: Gary Giddins.

Recording information: Electric Lady Studio, New York, NY (12/01/1978-05/11/1982); Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA (12/01/1978-05/11/1982); Kendun Recorders, Burbank, CA (12/01/1978-05/11/1982); Shiba Yubin Chokin Hall, Tokyo, Japan (12/01/1978-05/11/1982); Sound Ideas, New York, NY (12/01/1978-05/11/1982).

Photographers: Phil Bray; William Claxton; Laurie Pepper.

Unknown Contributor Roles: David Williams ; Carl Burnette; Ron Carter ; Charlie Haden.

Arrangers: George Cables; Jimmy Bond; Bill Holman.Down Beat - 5 Stars - Excellent