[Cover photo credit to Laurie Pepper]

Omnivore Recordings has announced Geneva 1980, a new live album from Jazz saxophonist Art Pepper featuring over two hours of previously unissued live performances. The album will be available as a double-CD, and Digitally on March 14, 2025. 

At the time of this recording in 1980, Art Pepper had been a mainstay in the world of Jazz for nearly four decades. Starting out as a young player in his teens, he accompanied artists Benny Carter and Stan Kenton. His solo career, however, was ground-breaking.

As evidenced by 2023’s The Complete Maiden Voyage Recordings, a 7-CD testament to his playing recorded months before his passing, Art Pepper never disappointed.

Geneva 1980 collects 10 performances recorded July 5, 1980 at the New Morning in Geneva, Switzerland. Backing Art on alto saxophone were Milcho Leviev on piano, Tony Dumas on bass, and Carl Burnett on drums. It was a set of almost all originals.

Laurie Pepper’s liner notes share:

Art was so exhilarated by their rowdy, ravenous appreciation, he was at his very best. As was the band. The band was tight. All the tunes are great. This version of “Patricia” might just be the best on record. I’ll swear this is the hottest version of “Miss Who” he ever played.