The Art Pepper & Jack Montrose Quintet

This is a very fine look at a short-lived band co-led by the great Art Pepper on alto saxophone and Jack Montrose on tenor saxophone. This band displayed amazing chemistry and intuition between the two co-leaders. The rhythm section was also the cream of the crop on L.A. based musicians. Claude Williamson on piano, the ever reliable Monty Budwig on bass and the multi talented Larry Bunker on drums. The band was busy with gigs and we're fortunate that a small independent label, Discovery Records recorded this group in August of 1954. Due to the chaotic life led by Art Pepper, it turned out to be his only recording in 1954. He ran into drug trouble and was incarcerated from 1954 to 1956. This date is a gem as 5 Pepper compositions are heard along with 3 well chosen standards. This is a valuable document as to the greatness of Art Pepper and also the group. Enjoy the Art Pepper/Jack Montrose Quintet as tonight's Jazz Feature.