Art Pepper - Geneva 1980 (CD)

Two CDs. 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 '80 collects ten 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.