Art Pepper - Unreleased Art, Vol.1 - The Complete Abashiri Concert - Nov. 22, 1981
A nice 2-disc live set, released by Laurie Pepper.
This is the album recorded in Japan that Laurie Pepper said was one of his best performances. How does it compare to "Fisherman"?
All just my opinion, of course ...
In comparison to Fisherman, Abashiri overall has a more lively feel to it. Grittier, more raw (that goes for the performances as well as recording quality). The rhythm section stretches out from straight jazz and drives harder, even into funk at times. And Art goes non-linear on a few occasions. You can tell they were all "feeling their oats" as we say in the horse world. Juiced. The band and energized audience seemed to feed off of one another's excitement. So at times it was more an atypical AP performance than what you'd expect. For example, on their eight-plus minute version of "Straight Life", they blazed through it at warp speed. So not lyrical or swinging at all, just blistered it. Not that that is a bad thing necessarily, just somewhat of a shock. Like I said, an atypical outing.
Is it better or worse than Fisherman? Laurie might think better, but I suspect possibly she just might be happier to see/hear Art energized, sober, and happier. I think I still prefer Fisherman, as I think that is one of those rare recorded magical performances. I am not sure I prefer a more confident, sober, happier Art over the more pensive, unsure, brooding one. But I've only just listened to Abashiri once thus far, so I am not yet positive which I prefer. They are both very good in their own ways.
