Art Pepper (alto saxophone), Jack Sheldon (trumpet), Russ Freeman (piano), Leroy Vinnegar (bass), Shelly Manne (drums). All arrangements by Art Pepper. The music on this album was recorded in August 1959 at Capitol Recording Studios in Hollywood. Pepper is at the top of his game and demonstrates his ability for precision and intimidating passion. Nowhere is the proof easier to come by than on these recordings, which show Pepper at the height of his powers. "Smack Up" is Pepper's penultimate album as a bandleader before he went to prison to serve the longest of his drug-related sentences.