Blue Bossa (Art Peppers’s version)

Art Pepper (alto sax), Russ Freeman (piano), Bob Magnusson (bass) and Frank Butler (drums). From the album Art Pepper Among Friends (1978).

Bob Magnusson is a jazz bassist who has worked as a studio musician for decades and has participated in more than 150 albums. He also teaches jazz harmony, theory and improvisation. He toured with Buddy Rich’s big band in 1968 and played with the San Diego Symphony, and also with Sarah Vaughan from 1971 to 1972 and from 1975 to 1976. He has worked with practically all the most important musicians of modern jazz, has played in some of the best concert halls in the world and has traveled through Japan, New Zealand, Australia, Europe and Latin America.

Frank Butler was an American drummer who, although was not very well known, was appreciated by his fellow musicians. He played with Dave Brubeck in 1950 and later with Duke Ellington, John Coltrane, Miles Davis and Art Pepper during the 1950s and 1960s. He worked on several television series and in the 1970s recorded two highly regarded albums under his name. He died in 1984 at 56 years of age.

After a short introduction, Pepper exposes the theme to the rhythm of bossa nova and immediately enters to perform his solo. His phrases are quick, with intentionality, authority and confidence. Freeman follows with a creative melodic line full of unexpected twists. Next Magnusson enters with a clear and powerful fingering, and Pepper comes back with a second brief solo and re-exposes the theme.