Art Pepper - Geneva 1980 (Live in Geneva 1980) (2025)

In 1980, Art was 54; his health was poor, but his creativity was at its peak. So was his ambition. He was touring Europe for the first time. He’d brought his own band, his own tunes. He was determined to astound the world.

—Laurie Pepper (from her liner notes)

At the time of this recording in 1980, Art Pepper had been a mainstay in the world of jazz for nearly four decades. Starting out as a young player in his teens, he accompanied acclaimed artists Benny Carter and Stan Kenton. From there, his collaborators read like a who’s who list of 20th century greats. His solo career, however, was legendary. It’s impossible to talk jazz saxophone without the name Art Pepper in the mix. Through his life, troubled as it may have been, one thing was always a constant—his music.

As evidenced by 2023’s acclaimed The Complete Maiden Voyage Recordings, a 7-CD testament to his effortless playing recorded months before his passing, Art Pepper never disappointed, instead, he thrilled and beguiled audiences around the world.

Geneva 1980 collects 10 performances recorded July 5, 1980 at the New Morning in Geneva, Switzerland. Backing Art on alto saxophone were Milcho Leviev on piano, Tony Dumas on bass, and Carl Burnett on drums. A set of almost all originals left the crowd astounded.

Art was so exhilarated by their rowdy, ravenous appreciation, he was at his very best. As was the band. The band was tight. All the tunes are great. This version of “Patricia” might just be the best on record. I’ll swear this is the hottest version of “Miss Who” he ever played.

TRACKLIST

1. Art Pepper - Ophelia ((Live in Geneva 1980))
2. Art Pepper - Mambo Koyama ((Live in Geneva 1980))
3. Art Pepper - Patricia ((Live in Geneva 1980))
4. Art Pepper - Miss Who ((Live in Geneva 1980))
5. Art Pepper - I'll Remember April ((Live in Geneva 1980) [inc])
6. Art Pepper - Blues For Blanche ((Live in Geneva 1980))
7. Art Pepper - Valse Triste ((Live in Geneva 1980))
8. Art Pepper - Make A List (Make A Wish) (Live in Geneva 1980)
9. Art Pepper - Goodbye ((Live in Geneva 1980))
10. Art Pepper - Blues For Les ((Live in Geneva 1980))