Art Pepper (1925 - 1982) was described as the greatest alto-saxophonist of the post-Charlie Parker generation. But Straight Life is much more than a jazz book - it is oneof the most explosive, yet one of the most lyrical, of all autobiographies, narrated on tape to his wife Laurie. Pepper refuses to tiptoe round many of the unpalatable episodes of a life that involved alcoholism, heroin addiction,armed robberies and five of what should have been his most productive years imprisoned in San Quentin. The result is an ...
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Art Pepper (1925 - 1982) was described as the greatest alto-saxophonist of the post-Charlie Parker generation. But Straight Life is much more than a jazz book - it is oneof the most explosive, yet one of the most lyrical, of all autobiographies, narrated on tape to his wife Laurie. Pepper refuses to tiptoe round many of the unpalatable episodes of a life that involved alcoholism, heroin addiction,armed robberies and five of what should have been his most productive years imprisoned in San Quentin. The result is an autobiography like no other, a masterpiece of the spoken word, shaped into a genuine work of literature.
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Book as described, quickly shipped, excellent communication!
beasonlopes
Apr 27, 2007
Riveting Narrative
If you are interested in jazz, the human condition, and good writing, this is the book for you. Laurie Pepper, Art's third wife and the manager of his comeback in the 70's, has taken Art's narrative about his life and synthesized it into a powerful narrative that never lets up. For those who do not know Art Pepper, he was the greatest alto sax player in jazz. He also spent most of his life in and out of prison due to a heroin addiction that he could never kick. The best way to read this book is to accompany your reading with the music and to juxtapose in your mind the beauty of his playing against the anguish of his life and drug addiction. The words and the music together make a powerful statement about the nature of art, and Art.
