Art Pepper

The Profile

American alto saxophonist and clarinetist central to West Coast jazz. Celebrated for virtuosity and intense late-career recordings; struggled with heroin addiction and prison, then returned to record acclaimed albums. Died in 1982.

Played alto saxophone and clarinet. Key collaborators noted in reviews include George Cables, Charlie Haden, Billy Higgins, Red Garland, Paul Chambers, Philly Joe Jones, Roy Haynes. 'Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section' is widely cited as his masterpiece; 'Straight Life' is his well-known autobiography.

DeBaser's reviews present Art Pepper as a brilliant, troubled alto saxophonist whose late-career live dates and studio returns are deeply moving. Critics highlight 'Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section' as a career-defining masterpiece and praise late-70s sessions and Village Vanguard concerts. Recurring themes are virtuosity, raw emotion, and a life marked by addiction and prison followed by artistic resurgence.