Dolo Coker - California Hard feat. Art Pepper

'California Hard' is a true example of the exciting things that transpire when hard bop pianist Dolo Coker gets together with some of his favourite playmates of the West Coast world. This recording session brings back for the first time in many years Art Pepper as a sideman. The title 'California Hard' was very intentional on the part of both Coker and Schlitten. It instantly distinguishes this assertively swinging music from the more relaxed West Coast Cool sound of Chet Baker, Chico Hamilton, Gerry Mulligan and Dave Brubeck that had captured the imagination of jazz record buyers during the 1950s.

Personnel: Dolo Coker (piano), Blue Mitchell (trumpet & flugelhorn), Art Pepper (alto & tenor saxophone), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Frank Butler (drums)

Recorded by Arne Frager at Spectrum Studios, Venice, California, December 27, 1976. Mixed by Paul Goodman (RCA) in NYC