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Straight Life

Straight Life

by Art Pepper (Author), Laurie Pepper (Contributor), Art Pepper (Author), Laurie Pepper (Contributor)

  • Used

    Paperback 2001

    $14.10
Synopsis

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.

$14.10

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More Information

Format: Paperback
 Pages: 612
 Edition: Main
 Publisher: Canongate Books
Published: 11 Oct 2001
ISBN 10: 1841950645
ISBN 13: 9781841950648
Book Overview: The story of Art Pepper

Media Reviews
Straight Life demonstrates again and again that Pepper had the ear and memory and interpretative lyricism of a first-rate novelist. . . He did five years in San Quentin and his descriptions of life there are relentless and brilliant. . . He had no illusions nor did hehave any remorse or self-pity. . . He was an eloquent and gifted man. * * New Yorker * *
One of the most memorable jazz memoirs. * * Times * *
A tough, dizzying, hard and honest book that will haunt anybody who opens it. * * Down Beat * *
The most powerful, mind-riveting, brutally honest document I've ever read by an artist. * * Boston Ledger * *
A shattering portrait of genius confronted with human weakness. . . possibly the best memoir ever written by a jazz musician. A story that ranks with The Autobiography of Malcolm X in its direct honesty and power. * * Kansas City Star * *
Author Bio
Art Pepper (1925?1982) was an American alto saxophonist and clarinetist. He was born in Gardena, California and raised in nearby San Pedro. He began playing the clarinet at age 9, and by 15 was performing in Lee Young's band at the Club Alabam, the home of jazz in prewar Los Angeles. He began his career in the 1940s, playing with Benny Carter and Stan Kenton. Some of his most famous albums are Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section, Art Pepper + Eleven - Modern Jazz Classics, Gettin' Together, and Smack Up. In 1952 he placed second only to Charlie Parker in the Down Beat jazz poll.