No matter how turbulent was his private life, when it came to recording Art Pepper invariably measured up to the task at hand. Soon after this recording and a quick follow-up (Intensity), Pepper began a lengthy prison sentence for drug offences. It needs to be pointed out, that all of the albums Pepper recorded for the LA-based Contemporary label are worthy of your consideration, most notably Smack Up which was a rare occasion where he was joined by a second horn – the often undervalued Jack Sheldon. Apart from one original (‘Las Cuevas De Mario’) the set-list comprises compositions taken from albums by label mates Buddy Collette, Jack Montrose, Benny Carter, Duane Tatro and, to prove that he was aware of the wind of change, Ornette Coleman's ‘Tears Inside’. If Pepper was under pressure due to his imminent incarceration it didn't have any negative effect on his playing. As feisty as ever, his readily identifiable signature sounds resonate throughout this magnificent album, with the Pete Jolly-led rhythm section supplying sterling support.