Modern Art: The Complete Art Pepper Aladdin Recordings, Vol. 2

Modern Art: The Complete Art Pepper Aladdin Recordings, Vol. 2

ASIN: B000005H5O

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
Art Pepper made a name for himself in the early 1950s as a West Coast alto saxophonist who could play the complex harmonies of bop, but was not a slavish imitator of Charlie Parker. Pepper's intelligently-structured soloing was the epitome of California cool. Modern Art, recorded after he had served time in jail on drug charges, is a reissue of 1956 and 1957 sessions recorded for Alladin with either Russ Freeman or Carl Perkins on piano, Ben Tucker on bass, and Chuck Flores on drums. "Blues In" opens the session with a fine example of Pepper's soloing style. The swing classic "Stompin' at the Savoy" is an unbridled joy. "Cool Bunny," the two takes of "Diane's Dilemma," and alternate takes of "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Begin the Beguine" are other highlights. --John Swenson

Tracks:

Blues In
Bewitched, Bothered, And Bewildered
Stompin' At The Savoy
What Is This Thing Called Love
Blues Out
When You're Smiling
Cool Bunny
Diane's Dilemma
Diane's Dilemma (Alternate Take)
Summertime
Fascinating Rhythm (Alternate Take)
Begin The Beguin (Alternate Take)
Webb City (Alternate Take)

Amazon.com

Art Pepper made a name for himself in the early 1950s as a West Coast alto saxophonist who could play the complex harmonies of bop, but was not a slavish imitator of Charlie Parker. Pepper's intelligently-structured soloing was the epitome of California cool. Modern Art, recorded after he had served time in jail on drug charges, is a reissue of 1956 and 1957 sessions recorded for Alladin with either Russ Freeman or Carl Perkins on piano, Ben Tucker on bass, and Chuck Flores on drums. "Blues In" opens the session with a fine example of Pepper's soloing style. The swing classic "Stompin' at the Savoy" is an unbridled joy. "Cool Bunny," the two takes of "Diane's Dilemma," and alternate takes of "Fascinating Rhythm" and "Begin the Beguine" are other highlights. --John Swenson

Customer Reviews:

Art Pepper at his best.......2007-05-26

If you like the dreamy, smoothe style of Art Pepper, don't miss this one. I am now searching for Volume one, but so far, no luck.

Masterpiece.......2007-04-28

Pepper here is light years ahead of most in the business at the time. All you need to do is listen to his cover of SUMMERTIME and you'll see. It's probably one of jazz's most unrecognized masterpieces. His duets with Tucker are also far ahead of time. Pure pleasure, Modern Art.

One of the best jazz albums.......2005-03-21

I own hundreds of jazz cd's, and sometimes someone wants to know if I have a favorite. I can't say I have one favorite, but this is up there in the top 5. I recommend this CD to any serious jazz fan who somehow has overlooked one of the most talented sax players ever, anyone interested in "cool" jazz, anyone trying out jazz for the first time, and any jazz musician looking to hear some inspiring solo work. It's a true album, where every track belongs, and it plays well, in order, from start to finish, over and over again.

Consummate West Coast Cool Jazz.......2000-09-06

The cover can tell you a lot about this CD. I think the photograph exactly typifies a time, a life-style, a mood. This is the late-Fifties West Coast jazz world we're in. A good-looking young man dressed in a sharp suit, white shirt and understated tie, sits at a table with his faithful saxophone at his elbow, an abstract painting hanging on the wall behind him. His expression is a mixture of cool, detached concentration, with maybe just a hint of the assured, almost surly, "who-gives-a-s**t" rebel. I don't know who took this photograph or whether others from the same session were ever used, but it is an image that I think matches the music to perfection. It seems unfair to single out a track for special mention - the whole mood of the album just cruises along at a very high standard. It sounds like a bunch of musicians who are just enjoying themselves, confident they are excelling at their craft on the day. "Hey guys, we're good, and we don't care who knows it." The only minor negative I would offer is the recording sound. This isn't hi-fi demonstration material. If you're a real hi-fi enthusiast it may seem a bit shallow and with slightly unnatural tones to some of the instruments. However, it is clean and dynamic, and the tracks are played with such enthusiasm and ability that the quality of the music shines through. This is great listening and thoroughly recommended.

Great Album.......1999-11-16

this is a wonderful album, my first venture into Art Pepper and I can't get enough! For those still new to Jazz, this is a great album to get your feet wet with.

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