Altoist Art Pepper recorded many albums for the Galaxy label during 1979-1982. Straight Life is pretty definitive and serves as a perfect introduction to Pepper's second (and most rewarding) period. Not only is there a superior version of Pepper's famous title cut but very emotional (and explorative) renditions of "September Song" and "Nature Boy." The quartet also featured pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Billy Higgins. Brilliant music. - Scott Yanow
Tracks
1. Surf Ride (Art Pepper)
2. Nature Boy (Eden Ahbez)
3. Straight Life (Johnny Mandel/Art Pepper)
4. September Song (Kurt Weill/Maxwell Anderson)
5. Make a List (Make a Wish) (Art Pepper)
6. Long Ago (And Far Away) (Jerome Kern/Ira Gershwin)
ART PEPPER alto saxophone
TOMMY FLANAGAN piano
BILLY HIGGINS drums
KENNETH NASH cowbell, reco-reco (5)
Recorded September 21, 1979 at Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, CA
Galaxy OJCCD-475-2