Art History

As a respite from the recent Reason postings this evening I'd like to share with you one of my favorite jazz musicians of all time, Mr. Art Pepper. Art played with the same intensity that drove his life and lifestyle. Mr. Pepper spent a large portion of his adult life behind bars from drug related arrests. His playing conveys this... chasing the melody, chasing the dragon. Art Pepper and his widow, Laurie wrote a wonderful book on his life, called "Straight Life":

Straight Life

If you've never heard Art before I'd highly recommend starting with his seminal recording:

Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section

If you already have this cd, do yourself a favor and pick up the brand new release "The Art History Project". On Laurie Pepper's own "Widow's Taste" record label. 3 cds of some of the best jazz you'll find anywhere, played by a master:

The Art History Project

There's a great movie out on DVD called "Notes of a Jazz Survivor" on Art Pepper, here's a clip:



for more information check out:

Straight Life