When you hear the alto saxophone of Art Pepper, there is no doubt as to who it is. Art's sound and emotional directness hits hard and as someone put it, "Art plays for his life". Art's life was a convoluted mess and interrupted by long prison sentences for drug use but Pepper always played his best, no matter the circumstances. This album called "The Trip" was made in 1976 after his release from rehab and his life for a while became productive and stable. Art's wish was fulfilled by the people on this date, three men who he loved and wished to work with. George Cables was his favorite pianist, Art called George "Mr.Beautiful". Bassist David Williams and especially drummer Elvin Jones lived up to Art's high standards. Art worked hard to make this date great and brought in 3 original works including the haunting title track..."The Trip". One tune each by trumpeters Joe Gordon and Woody Shaw. The beautiful ballad high point is Michel Legrand's lovely "The Summer Knows". Art Pepper among his other attributes was a superb ballad player. This album is a keeper and one of Art Pepper's finest..........check out "The Trip"

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