by Scott Yanow
This historic music, which was released for the first time on this 1995 CD, features an exuberant session by a notable group of veteran all-stars, recorded live at UCLA in 1981. Altoist Art Pepper is heard on a lyrical and emotional version of &Over the Rainbow& (the only selection that has Charlie Haden on bass). Tenor great Zoot Sims swings on &In the Middle of a Kiss,& &Broadway& and &The Girl from Ipanema&; the latter two songs also feature guitarist Barney Kessel. But the main reason to acquire this disc is to hear Sims and Pepper jamming together on &Wee& and &Breakdown Blues.& The rhythm section of pianist Victor Feldman, bassist Ray Brown and drummer Billy Higgins is as tight, and hard-swinging as one would expect, and it is a joy to hear this rare encounter by the two great saxophonists. It is only a pity that Pepper and Sims did not record together more extensively during their careers.