Jazz Articles about Jack Sheldon

Art Pepper: Smack Up

by David Rickert
April 16, 2004

Art Pepper's reckless lifestyle tended to overshadow his superb musicianship, and the circumstances surrounding Smack Up are certainly no exception. Shortly after recording it in 1960, he spent three years in jail for heroin possession, and one can only wonder if the title of the record is a play on words. Nevertheless, Pepper is in good form, as he usually was despite his troubles, darting over the changes and stitching together sharp, boppish lines without hesitation. Featuring a crack rhythm ...

Art Pepper: Smack Up

by C. Michael Bailey
March 19, 2004

Art Pepper produced the greatest recordings of the so-called “first phase" of his career during periods of intense chaos. A case in point is Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section, where the altoist--rusty from inactivity, angry because of the surprise recording session set up by his then-wife Diane, and very, very strung out--expelled an acknowledged masterpiece. The aptly named Smack Up was the penultimate recording to the better part of a decade of incarceration for the musician's well-known heroin addiction. ...

Jack Sheldon: Class Act

by Jim Santella
November 1, 1998

Trumpeter Jack Sheldon, who turns 67 this month, started out with Wardell Gray, Dexter Gordon, Curtis Counce, Bill Holman, and Stan Kenton. He moved on quickly to an eclectic career that has included hard bop ensembles, his own big band, studio work, singing & acting, but never strayed far from the sweet tone and fluid articulation that pours forth from his trumpet.

Back in the '60s Sheldon starred in the television spy-spoof sitcom “Run, Buddy, Run," and he was Merv ...