Product Review

California Hard was pianist Dolo Coker's response to the notion that West Coast jazz musicians only played cool jazz. Featuring an all-star group with the iconic Art Pepper, in a rare sideman appearance, on alto and tenor saxophone, trumpeter Blue Mitchell, bassist Leroy Vinnegar, and drummer Frank Butler. The well-rounded set has originals by Coker, Pepper ( Mr Yohe ) and Mitchell (a drum feature for Butler on Roots 4fb ) along with a showcase for the trio ( Gone Again ) and a vintage standard ( Gone with the Wind ).

Digitally remastered from the original tapes
Deluxe packaging with a 16-page booklet and restored artwork
Supervised by original producer and
Xanadu label head Don Schlitten
First CD reissue in 20 years