RRR006: “Intensity” // Art Pepper

Tonight there is snow falling from the sky. And a full moon. The full moon is not falling from the sky. Not yet anyway.

For reasons lost to history, I’m drinking a bit of brandy. And while it may be hard to reason out why I’m drinking brandy, it’s harder to understand why, of all the possibilities, I’m listening to Art Pepper’s “Intensity.”

Don’t get me wrong, I like Pepper. Even though I struggle a little bit with the sound of the alto saxophone, I’ve never heard a Pepper record I didn’t get along with. It’s just such solid, amicable music.

No, what’s odd about listening to “Intensity” right now is its incongruity with the circumstances. A snowy winter night, full moon and city lights making the clouds glow, kids in bed, the aforementioned digestif.

Many records would be more logical right now (by my logic, anyway). My last post was about “Coltrane,” and that would be a nice choice, seeing as it’s proven itself as a champion of night time and natural phenomena. “A Love Supreme,” speaking of Trane, would be a good match, with its karmic, spiritual fabric. While we’re on the Mt. Rushmore of jazz, might as well throw in “Kind Of Blue” as a reasonable pick. I mean, name a night when “Kind Of Blue” isn’t a good choice, right?   

Or how about some Bill. Maybe “Explorations,” maybe “Waltz For Debby” or “Sunday at the Village Vanguard.” They all serve honorably after dark.

The alto is too chipper an instrument after sunset, especially in winter. The tenor is so much smokier.

But here I am, sitting with the man I’m struggling not to call Dr. Pepper. The struggle is over. I’ve done it. Dr. Pepper. Dr. Pepper. Ha.  

And you know what? This record works just fine tonight. His take on “Come Rain Or Come Shine” is better than just fine; it might be perfect.

Besides, here’s the thing about a record: it will be over soon. And you get to pick another one, the one that will take you a step deeper into a nearly perfect night. I’m thinking Grant Green will make an appearance. Or maybe Mr. Kenneth Burrell.

I look forward to it.