by Scott Yanow
The follow-up to The Early Show, this Xanadu LP is quite valuable for it continues the ation of Art Pepper's earliest recording as a bandleader. Saved on an amateur tape recorder from the audience at Los Angeles' Surf Club, these performances have erratic recording quality, but the music is quite exciting. Pepper, joined by pianist Hampton Hawes, bassist Joe Mon and Larry Bunker on drums and vibes, performs bop standards and a variety of his originals that were based on the chord changes of familiar tunes. Even at this early stage, Art Pepper's talents and individuality were obvious.