The History of Jazz, Vol. 2 - Dedications

A glance at the older gentleman on the cover of The History of Jazz, Vol. 2: Dedications might convince the listener that the music within originates from some bygone era. A good guess, perhaps, but only half right. Bassist Michael Moore has had a long distinguished career and he does enjoy older styles, but he continues to make vibrant and accessible jazz. Here he is joined once again by clarinetist/tenor Ken Peplowski and drummer Tom Melito on a few classics and a few originals. The spare arrangements create a spacious sound that is loose and intimate. There's a bouncy five-minute take on Cannonball Adderley's "Wabash," with Peplowski's fluid clarinet lines circling above a busy rhythm section. A kinder, gentler approach offers a delicate rendering of Moore's "Cave for the Heart: For Bill Evans," while the boys pull out all the stops for "Cherokee." The music never feels like a nostalgia trip, partly because of the sparkling performances but also because this trio plays several contemporary pieces. There's the bizarre post-bop of "Shorter Tale: For Wayne Shorter" and a lovely version of Miles Davis' "Nardis." Moore, Peplowski, and Melito show themselves to be flexible and exciting players on The History of Jazz, Vol. 2. Fans of each of the players will enjoy this historical survey. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford Jr., Rovi