Ken Peplowski and Alan Barnes with Dave Newton Trio
“There’s too little clarinet in contemporary jazz”. I wish I could attribute the quote to some insightful luminary, but in truth it is just what I think. Although one or two current players double on clarinet, not too many play it as their main instrument. Ken Peplowski’s appearance, as the primary soloist in the last set of the Scarborough Jazz Festival is therefore a delight. Peplowski’s style is deeply rooted in the swing era, and in the style of a previous employer, Benny Goodman. It is great to hear him in a small group context, and supported by a great trio and a partnership with Alan Barnes.
About the only thing that blew the musicians off some swinging performance was the sudden burst of the mist machine that ensures the lighting effects work properly. This was Barnes final musical appearance of the festival, and his introductions have been the sardonic thread that ran through the whole event. Here he met his musical and verbal equal. Peplowski not only a serene soloist, but has a sharp line in putdowns and witty asides. The mist machine became the centre of their comic performance.
Just as quickly we were back to some romantic, late-night music played with elegance and sensitivity by the whole band. The audience were in hushed appreciation, except for the moments when they expressed their admiration with warm applause. This was a more than fitting end to a stimulating and thoroughly enjoyable weekend of jazz. We’ll be back for more next year.
Tim Wall
