Art Pepper

The most emotional evening - musically speaking - I can recall was hearing Art Pepper live at the old University Theatre, Newcastle. This was the most compelling performance I'd ever heard. Talk about a man walking on eggshells! Whether on alto or clarinet you reached out to him; willing him to make it. Of course he did even though at times it was agonisingly beautiful and painful (in the nicest possible way). This was an artist baring his soul in public. No coasting or running the changes but a guy reaching out beyond the comfort zone for something that maybe wasn't even there but going for it anyway.

I left that concert on a cloud and became number one fan (me and many many others) from that night on. Sadly, he died not that long after and I was as upset as you can ever be over someone you didn't know yet felt you did know. He was the best.

Apart from a wonderful legacy of music he also left a wonderful lady behind - Laurie Pepper who strives to maintain awareness of her late husband. I'm pleased to think of her as a friend via Facebook.

Lance.