Smack Up
Along with 1957'sMeets the Rhythm  Section, which featured Miles Davis's band behind him, 1960'sSmack Upforms the cornerstone of the altoist's first classic  period. As the title may or may not hint at, Pepper would soon after  vanish from the scene, the result of heroin addiction and related  prison terms. Buoyed by the presence of trumpeter Jack Sheldon, Pepper  intently runs through six saxophonist-penned cuts (plus two alternate  takes) from the books of the legendary (Benny Carter), the contemporary  (Harold Land's title track, Buddy Collette, Jack Montrose, Ornette  Coleman), and the obscure (Duane Tatro). His own blues "Las Cuevas  de Mario" would become a staple of his mid-1970s repertoire (his  second classic period). No matter what baggage he brought with him into  the studio, Pepper always seemed to rise to the occasion.--Marc  Greilsamer