Another hero of jazz archivists is Laurie Pepper, who deserves full credit for saving and extending the life of the great altoist Art Pepper. The Complete Abashiri Concert, a two-CD set put out by her Widow’s Taste label (straightlife.info), consists of previously unreleased music from a 1981 performance that ranks with Pepper’s finest later work. Joined by pianist George Cables, bassist David Williams and drummer Carl Burnett, Pepper’s intensity and passion on a dozen selections is riveting. Is there such a thing as a bad Art Pepper record?
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