Ken Peplowski is one of the top mainstream tenor saxophonists and clarinetists of his generation, an equal master of bop, swing, and post-bop. He's joined on this session by pianist
Ted Rosenthal (a fine leader himself and
Gerry Mulligan's last pianist), bassist
Gary Mazzaroppi (a first-call sideman for
Marian McPartland for many years), and veteran drummer
Jeff Brillinger. Opening with his robust yet melodic tenor in "Memories of You," he easily shifts gears to clarinet for a waltzing treatment of "I'll Be Seeing You," with a hint of
Benny Goodman in his playing. Back on tenor,
Peplowski's gentle bossa nova setting of
Roland Kirk's "Bright Moments" almost whispers. It is a shame that
Duke Ellington never heard
Peplowski on clarinet, as he channels
Jimmy Hamilton with his lyrical setting of "In a Sentimental Mood."
Ken Peplowski has never made a disappointing album, and his fans will be delighted with this fine effort and its companion second volume.