Preview: Ken Peplowski by Frank Griffith
The top flight artistry of clarinetist/saxophonist, Ken Peplowski, will be on full display in the UK in the next two weeks. with at least three dates:
Tuesday October 5th – Pizza Express-Dean Street (with John Pearce, piano; Dave Green on bass and Steve Brown, drums
Saturday October 9th – Pinner Parish Church (with an Alan Barnes Elllingtonia ensemble)
Thursday October 14th – Shepperton Jazz Club (with John Pearce, piano; Dave Green on bass and Steve Brown, drums)
Ken Peplowski, born 1959, is from Cleveland, Ohio. His early musical experiences were playing in Polish wedding bands. As a teenager he was active in the local jazz scene. After a year of college he joined the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra directed by Buddy Morrow. He then studied with Sonny Stitt. He moved to New York in 1980, joined a re-formed Benny Goodman Band in 1984. In 1992 he made the first of over twenty albums as leader for Concord Records.
Viewed by many as the premier clarinetist on the scene today “Peps” has an uncanny command of the instrument refusing to fall prey to its vertiginous viccissitudes while emitting a warm and glowing tone full of romanticism. His love for all eras of popular song is evident in his repertoire which stems from 1920s hot jazz to 1960s film themes.
Ken, like so many jazzers is not afraid to share his dry wit and is capable of telling a story or two all of which will not be lost on UK audiences.
As a former musical colleague of Ken’s (having played many gigs in NYC together during the late 20th century), being in his musical midst, his aura and influence have left a strong influence.
Do come along to one of his upcoming shows with a view to experience this same feeling from this magnificent performer.
KEN PEPLOWSKI’S WEBSITE
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