Along with 1957's Meets the Rhythm Section, which featured Miles Davis's band behind him, 1960's Smack Up forms the cornerstone of the altoist's first classic period. As the title may or may not hint at, Pepper would soon after vanish from the scene, the result of heroin addiction and related prison terms. Buoyed by the presence of trumpeter Jack Sheldon, Pepper intently runs through six saxophonist-penned cuts (plus two alternate takes) from the books of the legendary (Benny Carter), the contemporary (Harold Land's title track, Buddy Collette, Jack Montrose, Ornette Coleman), and the obscure (Duane Tatro). His own blues "Las Cuevas de Mario" would become a staple of his mid-1970s repertoire (his second classic period). No matter what baggage he brought with him into the studio, Pepper always seemed to rise to the occasion. --Marc Greilsamer