Live At Mezzrow
Cellar, 2024
8/10
The clarinet and tenor sax wizard Ken Peplowski brings along Ted Rosenthal, Martin Wind and Willie Jones III for these 10 live tracks that are both time honored interpretations and lesser known gems.
The lively and dynamic “Vignette” opens with Rosenthal’s graceful keys that complement Peplowski’s swirling sax, and “Prisoner Of Love” follows with an intimate climate, where much beauty unfolds via the soulful sax and elegant piano.
Halfway through, “Like Young” benefits much from Wind’s meticulously plucked bass that complements the flowing sax, while “The Shadow Of Your Smile” is an eloquent and dreamy set highlight that showcases a heartfelt and soothing demeanor.
Close to the end, “Bright Mississippi” bops and shakes with an infectious energy via the firm keys, animated clarinet and Jones’ frisky drumming, and “Who Knows” exits with Peplowski’s mesmerizing clarinet alongside the playful rhythm section that does justice to the Ellington classic.
The pandemic hit Peplowski hard, and live streams with this ensemble helped him get through the tragedy. The songs here were refined over a year or 2, and they are executed with much care and timelessness.
Travels well with: Roger Kellaway- Live At Mezzrow; Sheila Jordan- Live At Mezzrow