Memories of You Vol. 2

With an extensive repertoire and equal chops on both tenor sax and clarinet, Ken Peplowski has long been of interest to mainstream jazz fans. This second volume of standards and ballads, recorded during a pair of sessions with pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi, and drummer Jeff Brillinger, features six familiar songs and one alternate take of a song heard in the first volume. With Peplowski on clarinet, the upbeat setting of George Gershwin's "A Foggy Day" skips along easily at first, though the reedman quickly shows off his formidable chops after the opening chorus, while his alternate version of "Memories of You" is a bit more deliberate, emphasizing his gorgeous tone and flawless improvising. On tenor sax, Peplowski gives a breathy, swinging interpretation to "Poor Butterfly," revealing the stamp of the great Ben Webster, though Peplowski uses the master's influence only as an inspiration, not simply cloning his style. The rhythm section is supportive throughout the date, with Rosenthal also featured extensively. Recommended, along with the first volume of these 2005 sessions.