Better? Hard to say. "Meets TRS" has the magic of the excitement of the unexpected meeting of those players; not to mention it's one of the greatest rhythm sections ever. On the other hand, in spite of his great playing, Pepper does sound a little out of shape and his playing is a little rough overall. Great record; and, the story behind it is hard to beat. One of my favorites; one that shows his playing in really good shape and has some really nice writing for small big band by Marty Paich is:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf2O9b9d5FQ
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qtxjaVAl2LE
This, his comeback record, is amazing. I have trouble looking at pictures of Pepper at this point in his life; he looks like the walking dead with that familiar drug-ravaged look in his eyes. His playing also fits that description; highly emotional, like he is in pain. Unusual rhythm section of Hampton Hawes, Charlie Haden and Shelly Manne. Almost hard to listen to:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lhg0vK1cqWw
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XH-6Yc2sCro
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Uf2O9b9d5FQ
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=qtxjaVAl2LE
This, his comeback record, is amazing. I have trouble looking at pictures of Pepper at this point in his life; he looks like the walking dead with that familiar drug-ravaged look in his eyes. His playing also fits that description; highly emotional, like he is in pain. Unusual rhythm section of Hampton Hawes, Charlie Haden and Shelly Manne. Almost hard to listen to:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lhg0vK1cqWw
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=XH-6Yc2sCro