Art Pepper - Geneva 1980 / 2CD set

At the time of this recording in 1980, Art Pepper had been a mainstay in the world of jazz for nearly four decades. Starting out as a young player in his teens, he accompanied acclaimed artists Benny Carter and Stan Kenton. From there, his collaborators read like a who’s who list of 20th century greats. His solo career, however, was legendary. It’s impossible to talk jazz saxophone without the name Art Pepper in the mix. Through his life, troubled as it may have been, one thing was always a constant—his music.

Geneva 1980 collects 10 performances recorded July 5, 1980 at the New Morning in Geneva, Switzerland. Backing Art on alto saxophone were Milcho Leviev on piano, Tony Dumas on bass, and Carl Burnett on drums. A set of almost all originals left the crowd astounded.

    Art was so exhilarated by their rowdy, ravenous appreciation, he was at his very best. As was the band. The band was tight. All the tunes are great. This version of “Patricia” might just be the best on record. I’ll swear this is the hottest version of “Miss Who” he ever played.

    —Laurie Pepper (from her liner notes)

    Disc 1:

    Ophelia
    Mambo Koyama
    Patricia
    Miss Who
    I’ll Remember April (inc)

    Disc 2:

    Blues For Blanche
    Valse Triste
    Make A List (Make A Wish)
    Goodbye
    Blues For Les