Ken Peplowski is one of the most accomplished musicians in the second half-century of jazz. His lithe clarinet or literate tenor saxophone playing earmarks a curiosity for many facets within mainstream jazz that he employs. On
Noir Blue -- his first CD for the Capri label --
Peplowski explores that variety in a swinging framework with original material, standards, and interpretations of
Duke Ellington and
Billy Strayhorn's music. With the exceptional pianist
Shelly Berg, bassist
Jay Leonhart, and drummer
Joe La Barbera, the reedman can scarcely do anything wrong in playing enjoyable, populist jazz that is as consistent as anyone could wish for. The title selection is an obscure but beautiful
Strayhorn ballad that
Peplowski plays expertly on clarinet, while the light Latin
Berg composition "Home with You" is warm and fuzzy as can be. A contemporary beat à la
Ahmad Jamal is employed on
Ellington's lesser-known "Bourbon Street Jingling Jollies," with "The Best Thing for You" done in a brisk bop. Reminiscent of
Lester Young,
Peplowski's tenor sax is in vintage form for the upbeat swinger penned by
La Barbera "If Not For You," and pays homage to
Thelonious Monk and
Ornette Coleman, inspired in angular and quirky tones during
Peplowski's original "Little Dogs." Of many excellent albums he has produced in his three-decade career, this is one of the most complete and satisfying efforts the top-drawer figure has ever produced, and deserves a most high recommendation. ~ Michael G. Nastos