Ken Peplowski, an acclaimed American jazz clarinetist and saxophonist, passed away suddenly last Monday, February 3. He was 66.
Jazz critic Russell Davies called Peplowski “arguably the greatest living jazz clarinetist.” In his youth, he performed in the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra. As a soloist, he explored a range of jazz styles from Dixieland to bebop. In 2007, he was named jazz advisor for the Oregon Festival of American Music.
Peplowski recorded extensively, making over 70 CDs as soloist, and nearly 400 as a sideman. Here are two excerpts:
Caroline, No
Ted Rosenthal (piano), Martin Wind (bass), Matt Wilson (drums).
When You Wish Upon a Star
Ted Rosenthal (piano), Gary Mazzaroppi (bass), Jeff Brillinger (drums)
