When I think of musicians like the great Art Pepper, I am instantly sad. The man was such a wonderful musician but suffered so much because of the drug thing that ruined his life. He should never have been sent to prison, but to a good rehabilitation program. Bless him. RIP dear brother Art.
Apart from everything else, Pepper could not have happened without Parker having blazed the trail before it. I count myself as a huge Art Pepper fan, but when you are talking about Charlie Parker you are talking about one of the most important musicians in the history of jazz; I think Art himself would be embarrassed by someone claiming he was greater than Bird.
Prior to his vicious imprisonment, Art was the finest sax player on the planet. He could weave through the theme with an originanlity that was intelligent, whimsical and beautiful. There will never be quite such a master - and such a decent guy in jazz.