Art Pepper (1925-1982) is generally considered the greatest alto saxophonist of the post-Charlie Parker generation. This compendium represents the absolute finest of hundreds of pieces written on Art Pepper over a "Brilliant but cross-wired career spanning forty years". Edited by jazz writer and Pepper authority Todd Selbert, this collection contain rare interviews, reminiscences, critical profiles, liner notes, record and book reviews, and essays by the world's most esteemed jazz writers.

Dave Solomon confronts the antediluvian drug laws that crippled Pepper's career; Gary Giddins reflects on Pepper's place as a white musician in a predominantly black subculture and later reviews a breathtaking 1980 New York performance; Grover Lewis examines Pepper's gruelling, lifelong battle with heroin with a transcendence equalled only by the musician's own autobiography, Straight Life; Dan Morgenstern reviews a classic 1977 Los Angeles gig; Bob Blumenthal expounds on Pepper's tremendous gifts as both a soloist and group player; John Litweiler addresses the unique harmonic and melodic elements of Pepper's improvisational style; and Terry Martin looks at three watershed recordings; Arthur F. Kinney and Hal Hill accurately and compellingly eulogize Pepper; and Ted Gioia offers touching, personal recollections of his association with the saxophonist; among many others.

Furnished with a selected discography and rare photos and album covers (including images in full colour), The Art Pepper Companion is an indispensable guide to the music of one of jazz's most gifted and troubled artists.

TODD SELBERT compiled the comprehensive discography for Art Pepper's Straight Life, and has produced reissues of, and written liner notes for, many of Pepper's albums.

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HARDBACK EDITION available