One of Art Pepper's most classic sets for Contemporary – a record that puts him in the company of the Miles Davis rhythm section – Jimmy Cobb on drums, Paul Chambers on bass, and Wynton Kelly on piano – who make up 3/5 of a quintet that also includes trumpeter Conte Candoli! The tracks open up a bit more from some of Pepper's 50s work in LA – arguably a bit tighter at times, and possibly a bit more "classic" – at least to longtime fans of the set. There's a bit less edge here than on some of Art's other 50s dates, but the album's still a great one – with titles that are a mixture of originals like "Getting Together", "Diane", and "Bijou The Poodle", plus a few other strong numbers, like Chambers' "Whims Of Chambers" and Dory & Andre Previn's "Why Are We Afraid?" LP, Vinyl record album

Sparkling work from arranger Marty Paich – one of our favorite large group talents of the 50s! The album definitely gets a boot out of us for its great approach to the music, penned here by Paich in ways that really let some of the key players step out and do their thing! The group is large, but always swinging – and players include Art Pepper and Bill Perkins on saxes, Conte Candoli and Jack Sheldon on trumpets, Bob Enevoldsen on trombone, and Victor Feldman on vibes – and tracks include "No More", "Moanin", "Warm Valley", "What Am I Here For", "Violets For Your Furs", and "It Don't Mean A Thing". LP, Vinyl record album