Pepper, Art – Winter Moon [Japanese Pressing]- Used LP

Vinyl: VG+

sleeve: VG (not actual sleeve in photo; the blue in actual sleeve is faded or just was printed lighter).

Originally came with obi strip.  No strip but insert intact.

Usually I'm the first to say, dang it I'd like to hear this without the strings, but for some reason, the strings are mostly fine on this maybe because they resonate with the feel of the outing, the blending of melancholy and contentment, uneasiness and comfort, and probably mainly because they mostly remain where they belong.  Also, it's possible that the strings were part of the recording rather than added.  And it probably it helps that this is 1980 and the mistakes of the past were not going to be part of this. This set is pretty stunning, with a wonderful sense of restraint that often even remains in the many moments of release...long sighs and letting go...the band tight like sad lovers slow dancing and finding comfort on the wooden floor, shuffling of the shoes, slow sway of the hips, wind in the curtains...the whole set clearly coming from deep within.  If this doesn't move you, you might want to give it up and give up the ghost.  -- winch

Winter Moon Review by Scott Yanow: Ever since Artie Shaw and Charlie Parker, most jazz musicians have had a desire to record at least once in their lives with strings, often considering it a prestigious honor. Altoist Art Pepper finally had his chance on this album and fortunately the string arrangements (by Bill Holman and Jimmy Bond) do not weigh down the proceedings. Pepper sounds quite inspired performing seven strong compositions highlighted by Hoagy Carmichael's "Winter Moon," "When the Sun Comes Out" and a clarinet feature on "Blues in the Night."