The Complete Village Vanguard Sessions is an exhaustive box set that contains all 45 takes from Art Pepper's legendary stay at the Village Vanguard. Any serious Pepper fan will find a lot to treasure here, but the sheer size of the set makes it intimidating for less dedicated listeners. -- Leo Stanley, All Music Guide

The second of four releases taken from altoist Art Pepper's very successful stint at the Village Vanguard in July 1977 has been reissued on CD with one extra track, "A Night in Tunisia." Pepper, who is greatly assisted by a highly sympathetic rhythm section (pianist George Cables, bassist George Mraz and drummer Elvin Jones) is at his best on "Caravan," which finds him doubling on tenor, and on an intense rendition of "But Beautiful." All of this music is currently available as part of a massive nine-CD box set that really documents the historic engagement. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide

The fourth of four CD reissues taken from Art Pepper's three nights at the Village Vanguard in July 1977, as with the other releases, adds one selection ("Scrapple from the Apple") to the music of the original LP; all of the performances on this and the other sets have since been made available as part of a massive nine-CD box set. The great altoist was clearly excited to be playing at the famous New York club, and his rhythm section -- pianist George Cables, bassist George Mraz and drummer Elvin Jones -- consistently stimulates his imagination. This release has more variety than usual, for in addition to his alto playing (including a memorable unaccompanied solo on "Over the Rainbow"), Pepper switches to clarinet for the lengthy "More for Les" and interprets the ballad "These Foolish Things" on tenor. The nine-CD set is essential for Art Pepper fanatics, but those just wanting a taste of the great altoist's talents will be satisfied with this release. -- Scott Yanow, All Music Guide