The Peplowski Project
Self-Released, 2023
8/10
Listen to The Peplowski Project
The saxophonist, educator and composer David Larsen never disappoints, and this time around he’s got the esteemed clarinetist Ken Peplowski, plus many others, on hand for the jazz standards and originals that are lively and swingin’.
“All The Things You Are” starts the listen with Peplowski’s cozy clarinet and Josh Skinner’s bouncy bass complementing Larsen’s meticulous playing, and “Black Nightgown” follows with Brendan McMurphy’s agile drumming and Jake Svendsen’s graceful keys adding much texture to the radiant brass and winds.
Halfway through, “In A Sentimental Mood” is indeed reflective, intimate and flows with a poetic demeanor, while “Into The Mild” bops and shakes with a contagious energy of timeless jazz that benefits much from soulful and adventurous sax playing.
Further still, “On The Sunny Side Of The Street” displays a dynamic chemistry between the players that’s rich and warm, and “Two Funky People” exits with both cautious and exploratory ideas that allows Larsen’s sax to really explore its boundless vision.
Larsen and company pay tribute to legends like Al Cohn, Duke Ellington and Johnny Mandel, to a name a few, and the originals are just as memorable in this straight ahead jazz affair.
Travels well with: Chris Keefe- Opening; Melvin Smith- Perseverance