This is an auspicious debut for Gammaut Recordings!
Pepper Adams Quintet – Mode Records MOD-LP #112 (1957)/Gammaut Recordings [10/24/2025] Limited Edition 180-gram 45 r.p.m. stereo vinyl + 40-page full-sized tipped-in booklet, *****:
(Pepper Adams – baritone; Stu Williamson – trumpet; Carl Perkins – piano; Leroy Vinnegar – double bass; Mel Lewis – drums)
A new independent record label, Gammaut Recordings is joining the modern roster of jazz preservation and audiophile re-issues. One of their goals is to find under-appreciated musicians and subsequent albums that could be updated to re-mastered audiophile recordings, with top-notch vinyl pressings, quality packaging and incisive commentary. The debut album is Pepper Adams Quintet. This was originally released on the short-lived Mode Records in 1957. Adams was among a handful of baritone saxophonists (Harry Carney, Leo Parker, Gerry Mulligan, Serge Chaloff and Cecil Payne) that integrated this into jazz improvisation. His ability to utilize this cumbersome instrument melodically was impressive. He was influenced by Charlie Parker and the high energy bebop genre. Adams was renowned for his session work and band leader projects.
Pepper Adams Quintet is hard bop jazz with a West Coast feel. Joining Adams is Stu Williamson (trumpet), Carl Perkins (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (double bass) and Mel Jones (drums). What the ensemble creates is accomplished hard bop jazz that connects with the listener. Side A opens with a cover of “Unforgettable” Most people associate this song with the 1951 Nat “King” Cole performance. Pepper’s arrangement changes things up with a jaunty tempo. Baritone and trumpet open with balanced unison play. Pepper solos first with his unique fluid blend of muscular and subtler tonality. As Williamson steps up, the crisper (no vibrato to speak of), sharper tones provide a nice counter and the momentum is sustained. Perkins executes a soulful run with great phrasing and bluesy vibe. He, Vinnegar and Lewis provide an anchor to the session. A certain highlight is the completely re-imagined “Baubles, Bangles And Beads”. It began as a whimsical Broadway tune, but over the years jazz has re-introduced it with many new versions. The quintet explodes with bebop-fueled precision. Pepper’s first solo is furious. He is capable of intense notation and gritty resonance, but doesn’t undercut the tone consistency. Perkins and Williamson cut loose with equal freneticism. Both trumpet and baritone exchange with adroit Lewis drum fills.
Side B continues in hard bop mode with a Pepper original composition, “Freddie Froo”. The intro is indicative of the tight arrangement for small group. Williamson’s trumpet run has some piercing elements, but with flexible notation. Pepper also delivers emphatic rapid-fire lines that are sinewy. After his solo, Perkins merges with the rhtyhm section. Vinnegar’s galloping bass and Lewis’ drum solo bring it home. In a change-of-pace, “My One And Only Love” showcases Pepper’s deep, rich baritone, with moments of raw emotion and tenderness. The finale (“Muezzin’”) is old school swing, as the soloists utilize improvisational spontaneity. There is tonal stretching on the baritone.
Pepper Adams Quintet is a very promising debut for Gammaut Recordings. The re-mastered sound (Bernie Grundman…sourced from a 1/2’ Dolby A flat copy of the stereo tape) is vibrant. Both the baritone and trumpet are captured with clarity and depth. The 45r.p.m. vinyl enhances the overall quality. The pressing (Gotta Groove Records) is flawless. A significant asset to this reissue is the stellar packaging. This includes a Stoughton gatefold jacket with a 40-page tipped-in booklet. Extensive insights detail biographical information on Adams and some on the other players. There are also particulars on Mode Records and production notes from founder Philipe Berman.
Highest recommendation!
—Robbie Gerson
Pepper Adams Quintet
TrackList:
Side A: Unforgettable; Baubles, Bangles And Beads
Side B: Freddie Froo; My One And Only Love; Muezzin’.
