The late Art Pepper (1925-1982) was a master interpreter of the American songbook, and Essential Standards, features the alto saxophonist playing ten of those classics. The compilation also provides an overview of sorts, since it covers material recorded from 1956 until 1980. Essential Standards includes two cuts, “You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To” and “Imagination,” from the well-known 1957 release, Art Pepper Meets the Rhythm Section, an album that found Pepper teaming up with pianist Red Garland, bassist Paul Chambers, and drummer Philly Joe Jones (Miles Davis’s rhythm section at the time). We also get a taste of Pepper playing something other than alto on two tracks: tenor sax on “Move” and clarinet on “Lover Man (Oh, Where Can You Be?).” A version of “Nature Boy” is the longest piece here — and one of the best. Backed by pianist Tommy Flanagan, bassist Red Mitchell, and drummer Billy Higgins, Pepper digs deep into the tune. It was recorded in 1979, three years before his death. Despite a life full of problems, Pepper played well in all phases of his stellar career.