Sometimes great art can be born in the most dire of circumstances. Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section that kind of album, a somewhat miraculous triumph born from chaos, desperation, and sheer talent. At the time Pepper was battling a crippling drug addiction and hadn’t touched his instrument in six months when he found himself thrust into a recording session with Miles Davis’ legendary rhythm section—pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones. With his saxophone reportedly in poor condition and only hours’ notice to prepare, Pepper channeled his turmoil into a performance that ended up defining his career against nearly all odds.
Standout Songs: “You’d Be So Nice To Come Home To”, “Straight Life”
