Happy Together by Ken Peplowski & Jesper Thilo

The late Mel Tormé said, "Since the advent of Benny Goodman, there have been too few clarinetists to fill the void that Goodman left. Ken Peplowski is most certainly one of those few. The man is magic." The New York Times pronounced a concert of Ken's "Goodman Straight Up, With A Twist Of Lightning." These quotes only hint at Ken Peplowski's virtuosity – not only is he an outstanding clarinetist and saxophone player, but he's also a charismatic entertainer who has been delighting audiences for over 30 years with his warmth, wit, and musicianship.

Here Ken is joined by Jesper Thilo, Danish jazz tenor saxophonist and clarinetist born in Copenhagen. Thilo is perhaps best-known for his work with Ernie Wilkins from in the 1980s called "Ernie Wilkins's Almost Big Band". Thilo also appears on the Miles Davis album "Aura" recorded in 1985. And in 1991 he worked with Hank Jones in a quintet.

The word "sublime" comes to mind when listening to the new recording by Ken Peplowski and his co-leader Jesper Thilo. The music echoes the smoothness of Dexter Gordon, Benny Goodman, and Charlie Parker, with the right touch of swing and balladry. The sound that the band creates is simply a pleasant and joyful experience.

With Peplowski's and Thilo’s impeccable woodwind voices, an impressive band, and just the right mood, the stage is set for music that is classy, elegant, and appropriately titled – Happy Together. And so the audience on that special night at Birdland, Hamburg, was very enthusiastic about what was happening on stage, too.

Let's end with a quote from the Jazz Journal International, "Ken Peplowski is one of those fine young Americans who are currently setting so much of the pace in all that's good in jazz."