Pepper Adams Quintet—Gammaut’s premier release—Vinyl 45 RPM reissue [2025]

Here’s a very interesting vinyl reissue from a new independent record label, Gammaut, “A record label for the curious mind, music lover, hi-fi enthusiast.” Founded by record collector Philipe Berman and based in North Carolina, this is the company’s first release.

Pepper Adams Quintet. The recording is interesting because it has a unique provenance. It was originally released in 1957 on Mode Records. Mode was a rising star as a label but had a very quick burn. After forming, it recorded over thirty albums in a short period period then closed its doors after barely a year. A shame because husband and wife founder Red and Madeline Clyde created a special boutique jazz label with a simple philosophy:

• record West Coast’s finest jazz musicians,

• place them in intimate studio settings,

• and present the results with audiophile-focused sound and elegant packaging.

The company's failure was simply a case of biting off more than it could chew.

This recording of baritone sax player Pepper Adams was his first as a leader. It was recorded at Radio Recorders, Los Angeles and engineered by Bones Howe.

Adams (1930-1986) was a West Coast player with over 600 appearances as a sideman and also led 18 albums over 28 years. He was a member of the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Big Band.

Until this superb, musical record, I had only come across Adams once, on Chad Kassem’s Mingus release Blues & Roots, an energetic record of amazing creativity. Adams was back in the mix, but I described his sound as “a chainsaw with vibrato!”, probably providing Mingus with exactly the sound he required. It cut through! For my description of Adams’ sound, I definitely heard it from his fans!

This 1957 release finds Adams in a much more conciliatory tone, smooth, focused, with a very West Coast “cool school” vibe. Maybe Mingus, at his aggressive best, wanted Adams to blow hard. In any case, here I stand corrected—Adams has very musical ideas and leads his charges with great style. And with a beautiful tone.

Sidemen on the album include West Coast regulars, including trumpeter Stu Williamson, pianist Carl Perkins, bassist Leroy Vinnegar and drummer Mel Lewis.

Before I discuss the music, performance, sound and remastering, a note about the first class packaging. The record comes in a Stoughton gatefold jacket in a scuff-resistant matte finish and includes a 40-page tipped-in booklet containing an “extensive biography of Pepper Adams, essays on the session musicians as well as on the history of Mode Records, never-seen photographs, and more.”

It’s among the best reissue presentations I’ve seen and acts as a historical document. Bravo, Gammaut.

Adams playing in May 1963

It’s an all-analogue release on 180 gram vinyl, mastered and cut at 45 RPM stereo by Bernie Grundman (it was originally released in 1957 in mono). The source for this reissue ? A 15 ips Dolby flat copy, which was the best available source (read the Mode Records history in the booklet to find out more).

Berman had Grundman cut a 33 RPM version, but they opted for the superior-sounding 45 RPM version. As the record is only 30 minutes in length, pressing at 45 was no problem. The record was pressed at Gotta Groove Records. I purchased the album from Gammaut’s outstanding website for USD 50, plus USD 25 shipping (US addresses receive free shipping). It arrived flat, silent and centred. It is limited to 2000 copies.

As I mentioned, the west coast vibe is strong here from the opening notes of “Unforgettable”—Pepper Adams’ sound and phrasing is all sunshine and moonbeams. And endlessly inventive. Also, he’s completely in sync with his fantastic trumpet partner Stu Williamson—the two superior beboppers are accompanied by an “in the pocket” rhythm section.

The remastering spreads the players’ sound nicely over the stage, with only Mel Lewis’ drums on the far right. Barisax and trumpet trend center right, but their sound covers most of the stage. Piano and bass fill out the stage in a satisfying way. No “hole in the middle”, as such.

“Baubles, Bangles and Beads” closes the side with a furious tempo featuring great virtuosity from all five players. And even more skilfully, each solo is marked with great style and rhythm, even under such tempo scrutiny. Jazz Waltz, much?

Side two includes two Adams originals, “Freddie Froo” (more tight bop) and. “Muezzin'” (cool Latin feel) with “My One And Only Love” filling the side.

In summary, Pepper Adams Quintet is a spectacularly assured debut reissue. Typical of the Bernie Grundman factory, it sounds superb and ticks all our musical and audiophile boxes. It sounds like Gammaut will be walking before they run, but the good news is that the next reissue is being planned. It can’t come soon enough. But for their debut release, very highly recommended. It will be included on our Audiophilia Dream List next update (Jan 2026) and on the Recordings of the Year for 2026.