Art Pepper (1925 - 1982) was one of the greatest alto saxophonists to ever grace a stage. He also was a severely troubled human being. He is most notorious for his addiction to heroin, which spanned several decades and landed him in prison numerous times. This brief documentary film (less than 50 minutes duration) finds Pepper in better physical health and performing again at or near his peak level. The man still had his delusions, though. At one point he deadpans to the camera, "I'm a genius. I don't think there's anyone out there who plays better than me. I'm a genius". Humility is not his strong suit. A fascinating portrait of a man whose past cast a dark shadow, and whose horn was a vessel for melodious disclosures.
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