This realese contains Art Pepper's complete original album "Smack Up", plus 6 bonus tracks. Recorded in a quintet format with trumpeter Jack Sheldon, "Smack Up" marks Pepper's second to last album as a leader before entering prison to serve the longest of his drug-related sentences (after a short session as a sideman in January 1961 he entered San Quentin and wouldn't record again until May 1964, or lead a studio date until 1973).

The only tune from the soundtrack to the film The Subterraneans by a quintet co-led by Pepper and Sheldon, as well as a complete 1959 nonet session, featuring both musicians in the esteemed company of Chet Baker, Harold Land and Mel Lewis, have been added as a bonus.