Art Pepper - New York Album

Originally reissued as part of the Promise Kept: The Complete Artist House Recordings boxed set, now available separately.

Producer John Snyder had always wanted to record Pepper and booked him into a week at the Village Vanguard in New York. At the time, Pepper was under contract to Contemporary Records and label head, Les Koenig, decided he would record the gigs, quashing any notion Snyder had of doing the same. However, Art promised Snyder that he’d record an album for Snyder’s label, Artists House, at some point down the road. Together they wound up making four.

New York Album (originally issued in 1985) features Pepper’s takes on classics including “A Night In Tunisia,” Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be),” and Thelonious Monk’s “Straight, No Chaser”—plus a pair of Pepper originals.

John and Art both kept their promises. John brought Art into the wider world; he put him on the road. Just as he said he would, he brought him to New York and to the Village Vanguard, got his picture in the papers, got him on the radio. From Art, John got his dearest wish. He made these recordings.

    —Laurie Pepper

    A Night In Tunisia (Take 2)
    Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be)
    Straight, No Chaser (Take 2)
    Duo Blues
    My Friend John
    Johnny’s Blues
    A Night In Tunisia (Take 1)
    Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be) (Clarinet)
    Straight, No Chaser (Take 1)
    My Friend John (Alternate B)