Limited 180-Gram Black Vinyl LP

Trumpeter Chet Baker and alto saxophonist Art Pepper continued their fruitful collaboration with the 1956 Pacific Jazz album, Picture Of Heath (originally released as Playboys until Hugh Hefner objected). The album was the third collaboration between Baker & Pepper, following The Route and Chet Baker Big Band (all recorded in 1956). The sextet for the session was loaded with top talent from the West Coast jazz scene, including Phil Urso, Carl Perkins, Curtis Counce and Larance Marable.

A notable feature of the album is its focus on the compositions of saxophonist Jimmy Heath, who penned five of the album’s tracks: “Picture Of Heath,” “For Miles And Miles,” “C.T.A.,” “For Minors Only” and “Resonant Emotions.” The set is rounded out by two of Pepper’s tunes — “Minor-Yours” and “Tynan Tyme” — and the playing throughout is unfailingly vibrant with exquisite solos and lively band interplay, all of which makes this a quintessential cool jazz date.

The Blue Note Tone Poet Series features all-analog remastering.

Released: 12/2/22