Disc One
The first disc opens with "When You're Smiling," written by Larry Shay, Mark Fisher and Joe Goodwin. It's not a complete recording, and is indicated as such on the CD case. When the recording begins, the tune is already in progress. There are a few other tracks that are likewise incomplete in this set, but I am glad they are included here anyway. If you're like me, you want every bit of the music that can be included. This track contains just the last minute of the performance of the tune, and yet it still contains some great stuff from Art Pepper, and from Chris Gage on piano. None of the other incomplete tracks are that short. Art Pepper then introduces "Cherokee": "I'd like to give you one of the most popular jazz tunes around today." And when he announces the tune, we hear a single person clapping in response, so I guess maybe it wasn't so popular in Vancouver. Or this crowd just wasn't all that excited about it. I have to imagine after hearing this rendition, that crowd was a little more excited about the tune. It features some great stuff by Art Pepper almost immediately, and a delicious rhythm moving at a fast pace. It's loose and Art's playing has an appealing energy. The crowd applauds at the end of his lead. Chris Gage's lead on piano keeps things popping, and there are some playful moments that I love. It's so easy to get caught up in the motion of this tune, which was composed by Ray Noble. One thing I do wish the liner notes contained was the exact show that each song comes from.
"Now I'd like to answer a couple of requests for a very pretty tune, 'Over The Rainbow'," Art tells the crowd, and then he begins this one solo. This is a touching, beautiful rendition, the other musicians softly supporting Art's saxophone. This song, by the way, was ranked number one on the Songs of the Century list, and every time I hear a version like this I feel that those who made the list got it right. The second half features a nice lead on piano. And then as Art comes back in, the tune takes on a bit more energy, getting a little wild for a moment, his sax having something different to say. Things then relax again before the end. There is a loose atmosphere in the club. As we hear Art Pepper introducing "All The Things You Are," we can also hear the crowd noise, folks talking and whatnot. Just another night out for some folks? I wonder if later on they realized how lucky they were to be present for this performance. Anyway, Art reaches some exciting places during his lead, though largely working within the flow of the rhythm. In the second half, we are treated to a cool bass solo, as well as a very short drum solo just before the end.
"Indiana (Back Home In Indiana)" moves at a good clip right out of the gate. It features some absolutely delightful work by Art Pepper, who creates cool little moments to dip into the lower realms while everything pushes forward. It feels like he might have more to say, is only pausing for a breath perhaps, when Chris Gage jumps in with a strong lead on piano, dancing and rattling, as the bass rumbles beneath. This is so good, feeling like a shout, Onward! And check out that drumming toward the end. Delicious! That's followed by "Lover Man." There is no introduction to this song. They get right into it, into the great, gritty blues of it. This track contains some heartfelt, passionate playing by Art Pepper that is guaranteed to move you. The need, the longing, the ache - it's all so clear. And the hope. This, for me, is one of the highlights of the first disc, and it would be even if it ended after Art's first lead. Chris then takes over on piano, keeping with the rhythm, with that delicious bluesy vibe, living within the structure, and that works so well. Then Art takes a second lead, and by then we are just completely wrapped up in the feel of this song. I appreciate how the band stretches out on this one a bit, this track more than eleven minutes long. There is a bass lead toward the end that tells us just how things are.
Things get a little lighter, a little more fun with "Yardbird Suite," which soon starts to swing. This is a tune that will have you tapping your toes and following that bass line. The saxophone work here feels welcoming, with a good deal of cheer. Things feel right with the world. It's so good how music can give us that impression. This track also features a cool lead on piano, the bass still driving the piece forward. When the bass leads, it's not so much that instrument stepping forward, but everyone else stepping back, for the bass has been a prominent power the whole way through. There are short drum solos toward the end. This track is also more than eleven minutes, but certainly doesn't feel like it. The first disc concludes with "Sweet Georgia Brown," which, as we learn from Art's introduction, is the song chosen to close out that particular set too. This song is always fun. It's an inherently fun number. And these guys deliver a good rendition. Art is cutting loose here, having a good time, and the piano lead is totally delicious, with some surprising moments. The track just gets more fun as it goes, particularly toward the end, with those cool bursts on drums. As with the disc's opening track, this closing track is incomplete. However, it's certainly a large chunk of the number, as it's more than eight minutes long.
Disc Two
"We'd like to open this set with a tune entitled 'What Is This Thing Called Love?'," Art tells the crowd. And yes, it's the Cole Porter song, which was also included on the 2015 release Live At Fat Tuesday's, that recording from a 1981 concert. Art's sax sets this one in motion. His lead has a loose, cheerful vibe, with some great punctuation by George Ursan on drums. This track is something to raise our spirits, particularly Art's work on sax, which receives applause. Chris then gets the opportunity to drive things forward with his lead, which includes some wonderful, interesting touches throughout. That goes straight into a bass lead, which is good, but doesn't explore any new areas. However, I am definitely digging the drum solo in the second half. There is an interesting change toward the end, and the tune then eases out. That's followed by this boxed set's second version of "Yardbird Suite," which features some nice work on drums almost from the start. And again, things are swinging and feeling good, maybe with a somewhat more easygoing vibe this time. The sax expresses a certain amount of joy in that first lead. The piano lead has a light energy, engaging in a sort of dance. This time, when it seems like the bass is taking its lead spot, Art adds some soft touches on saxophone, which is wonderful. And there is some more delicious drumming toward the end.
Art Pepper introduces the band, and the introductions are presented as a separate track. When introducing George Ursan on drums, he says, "This is the first time we've ever blown together, and it's really a ball playing with him." That's cool. He also asks him if he pronounced his name correctly. When he introduces the pianist, he says it's Al Neil, not Chris Gage. Al's name is not included in the list of musicians on the last page of the liner notes booklet. I'm not quite sure what to make of that. Did Al just sit in for one set during this run of shows? If so, which tracks does he appear on? "What's New?" follows, this track featuring some beautiful, tender work on saxophone, delivered with a gorgeous warmth. Art Pepper still finds moments to see where the music will carry him, or where he can carry the song, and soon he is getting loose. His lead receives deserved applause. This track also features some beautiful work on piano, though that lead feels like it is over a little soon as the bass takes over. Toward the end, there is a loose feel, as each musician contributes short leads, which is wonderful. This is one of the tracks that is indicated as incomplete, but it feels like we have most of it. It seems to be reaching its conclusion when it fades out.
There is no introduction for "Holiday Flight." Art Pepper begins it on saxophone, and then a brief bass solo takes us into the body of the song. Then things are moving. There is one strange moment of hesitation early on, but no matter. This is a fun track and it features some excellent work on saxophone. It has the vibe of a party, and Chris Gage's piano lead keeps that mood, keeps things rocking and grooving. This is a wonderful track, one of my personal favorites. Art then asks about the sound, if it's loud enough for those in the back, expressing genuine concern, not just a matter of the usual stage banter. The group then keeps the good vibes alive with "Stompin' At The Savoy," another fun number. Things are moving with a good energy. I just love hearing Art Pepper play. And there is a delightful joy to the piano lead. This song has such an enjoyable groove, and I am a little sad, even a bit jolted, when this track comes to an end.
"I'd like to pick up the tempo a little bit, and try something to try to get us warmed up a little bit," Art announces. And, yes, the tempo is certainly picked up with "Allen's Alley." There is an appealing energy to this tune, and Art Pepper pushes through to another level at moments. The rhythm will have you rocking, even if you remain seated. And when Chris takes over, he keeps the energy high. This track contains some very cool stuff on piano, taking things in some unexpected and delightful directions. I also love the section with just bass and drums, like a dash forward that is a dance. This is a track that just gets better and better as it goes. The second disc concludes with "These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)." In the introduction, Art Pepper says, "I'd like to continue now with a little tune, a pretty song, a ballad," so this one must not have concluded a set. Anyway, there is some warm work on saxophone at the beginning, making me want to take my girlfriend in my arms and sway with her through the night. Then the energy picks up, the pace increases, and so the dance changes. This is one of the incomplete tracks, ending after a little more than six minutes, during Chris Gage's lead on piano.
Disc Three
The third disc opens with this set's second version of "Holiday Flight." There is no introduction, it just gets right into the music, with Art Pepper immediately delivering some delightful work on saxophone, some joyful playing, while the rest of the musicians maintain a good groove. Chris keeps that great vibe during his piano lead, delivering some absolutely wonderful work, with a playful sense to his approach. And that leads to my favorite section of the track, when Art and Chris trade licks, clearly having a great time, with George soon getting into the action on drums. This is another of this set's highlights. It is followed by "Tangerine," which is also presented without introduction, and also has a cheerful vibe and a wonderful groove. Art's initial lead is quite a bit shorter for this number, and soon Chris takes over on piano. Don't be surpised if you find yourself snapping your fingers along to this one. When Art returns, his saxophone expresses some excitement, as if caught up in the moment, which is delightful. This track also contains some nice work from Tony on bass.
Next is an exciting, fast-paced rendition of "The Way You Look Tonight," kicked into action with some excellent drumming and soon flying along, as if driven to an ecstatic frenzy by this woman's beauty, by their good fortune to be with her. There are some interesting moments too, as when the other musicians drop out for a moment and Art Pepper has a brief solo that acts like a bridge. The band is cooking here, and it is a joy to get caught up in the action, in the motion, for any worries we might have just can't keep up. Things then slow down for "Everything Happens To Me," this set's title track, which has that marvelous air of melancholy. Ah, you know that feeling when nothing seems to go right. But the music is always right, isn't it? And Art Pepper's saxophone has plenty to say. Even if things are going wrong, that instrument seems to declare it will persevere, and even finds moments of joy in the middle. There is some beautiful, uplifting work on piano in the second half.
"Bernie's Tune" starts on drums, and, as you might guess, is another fast-paced gem, featuring some joyful playing by Art Pepper, who seems determined to energize the world. His playing shouts, Yes! Yes! Yes! Chris keeps everything in motion during his lead on piano, and when Art returns, the track begins to fade out. It's not indicated as an incomplete track on the box, but it certainly seems to be. That's followed by "I Surrender Dear," which contains a false start, and then some funny stage banter. "As you know, we've never rehearsed or anything," Art tells the crowd. "So if we should goof at any time, please bear with us. It's just, it's just one of those things. We'll get it. We'll get it. I kind of goofed the intro that time, but I'll get it right this time." And of course he does get it right, and it's a wonderful rendition, featuring some particularly good stuff on saxophone. I love that section with the sax and bass engaged in some nice back-and-forth action, followed by the sax and drums similarly engaged, toward the end.
We are treated to a second rendition of "Over The Rainbow." As with the first version, Art Pepper begins this one with a brief solo, before moving into the main body of the song. It is Chris Gage's lead that stands out here, with some fantastic playing and touches of magic. The pace suddenly picks up near the end of this track, though just briefly, before relaxing again. That's followed by a second rendition of "Allen's Alley," which features some exciting work on saxophone. I love that moment early on when the sax solos, punctuated by the drums. And I love the conversation between sax and piano in the second half. This one moves at a fairly fast pace, the band cooking, and features some excellent drumming. On the back of the box, as well as on the back of the individual CD sleeve, this track is listed as the final one on the disc. But there is actually a ninth track on this disc. It is "Brown Gold," an Art Pepper composition, which is listed as the first track on the fourth disc. This one begins on saxophone, and has a catchy theme and a great feel about it. It's a fun number to close out the third disc. It is one of the incomplete tracks, fading out after nearly eight minutes.
Disc Four
This set's final disc opens with "Holiday Flight," the third version contained in this collection. Art Pepper gets it going with a very brief saxophone solo, and soon the band is immersed in a delightful groove. There is an undeniably cool vibe to this track, and I am especially fond of Chris Gage's piano lead. This one is over all too soon, though it is complete. It is followed by "Strike Up The Band." I've said it many times, but you can never go wrong with Gershwin, and I think Art Pepper and his band once again prove the truth of that. They deliver a wonderful rendition, the saxophone ready to lead us into a more joyous version of the world. Why can't things be fun? these instruments seem to be asking. And who has an answer? These musicians provide us with the right energy to make whatever changes are necessary to create that better existence, and then proceed as if it already exists. And maybe that's the best way. I love that moment when the drums take over, demanding to be heard. And then guess what? Art Pepper gives us a second Gershwin number, "Somebody Loves Me," so now I have to proceed as if all is right with the world, for it certainly seems that way. There is a wonderful vibe about this track, and it seems that before this song ends, everyone will figure out just who it is that loves him or her. The track gives folks plenty of time, more than eleven minutes.
"There Will Never Be Another You," written by Mack Gordon and Harry Warren, is divided into two parts on this disc. The first begins with a brief intro on saxophone, and quickly gets into the main body of the song. There is a light, delightful mood here. Ah yes, a celebration of that special someone. Other people will exist, surely, but that one special someone can never be replaced. And we hear that in this music. This track fades out while the song is in progress, and then the second part begins, but it seems that we've lost a little something in between, though neither track is listed as incomplete. Anyway, that little interruption is soon forgotten, as the music once again quickly takes hold. This second part contains some delicious work on drums.
This disc contains a third version of "Allen's Alley," which begins with some drumming to set things in motion. This version is popping, the saxophone dancing above that great rhythm, everything loose and right. It all feels so alive, we can sense the music breathing, pulsing, and it certainly doesn't slow down when Chris takes over on piano. The music makes life feel like one giant dance that we all can, and should, take part in. Doesn't that sax sound so inviting? And the bass solo gives us the sense that this is ongoing, eternal. The band teases the ending a bit before actually finishing the tune. Art Pepper announces that was the end of the first set. "Our warmup set. We'll be back shortly to really start playing for you." That wasn't playing? Holy moly! The disc then concludes with "Walkin'," which has a cool vibe from the start. I suppose that shouldn't be any surprise, given the material. What is a surprise is that the track is listed as incomplete, though it's nearly fifteen minutes long, longer than the Miles Davis recording on his 1957 Walkin' record. Anyway, this track contains some excellent work on saxophone, as well as a strong lead on piano. We are also treated to a good, long lead on bass. But, yes, this one fades out. I can't imagine there was too much more, but what we get is so damn good.
CD Track List
Disc One
- When You're Smiling
- Cherokee
- Over The Rainbow
- All The Things You Are
- Indiana (Back Home In Indiana)
- Lover Man
- Yardbird Suite
- Sweet Georgia Brown
Disc Two
- What Is This Thing Called Love?
- Yardbird Suite
- Band Intros
- What's New?
- Holiday Flight
- Stompin' At The Savoy
- Allen's Alley
- These Foolish Things (Remind Me Of You)
Disc Three
- Holiday Flight
- Tangerine
- The Way You Look Tonight
- Everything Happens To Me
- Bernie's Tune
- I Surrender Dear
- Over The Rainbow
- Allen's Alley
- Brown Gold
Disc Four
- Holiday Flight
- Strike Up The Band
- Somebody Loves Me
- There Will Never Be Another You (Part 1)
- There Will Never Be Another You (Part 2)
- Allen's Alley
- Walkin'
Everything Happens To Me: 1959 - Live At The Cellar was released on February 20, 2026 through Omnivore Recordings.
