KEN PEPLOWSKI QUARTET — Memories Of You (2007) FLAC (tracks+.cue) lossless

Ken Peplowski is among the top clarinetists and tenor saxophonists of his generation. After a long, fruitful period recording as a leader for Concord, Peplowski started getting a number of offers to record for overseas labels. He alternates between the two instruments during these 2006 sessions, well accompanied by pianist Ted Rosenthal, bassist Gary Mazzaroppi (long Marian McPartland's bassist of choice), and drummer Jeff Brillinger, all veterans like the leader. Peplowski's lush tenor in the first interpretation of "Memories of You" recalls Ben Webster with his soft, breathy vibrato and lyrical style. He also caresses Roland Kirk's infrequently heard ballad "Bright Moments" and renders an elegant "Dream Dancing" as well. On clarinet, Peplowski's magical treatment of "In a Sentimental Mood" (backed solely by bass at first) suggests a bird's song. The cream of the crop is his warm interpretation of Billy Strayhorn's "Lotus Blossom." This set is perfect for late-night listening. Ken Dryden
Tracklist :
1    Memories Of You    5:36
2    I'll Be Seeing You    3:53
3    Bright Moments    5:11
4    In A Sentimental Mood    6:55
5    Dream Dancing    8:24
6    Last Night When We Were Young    4:46
7    It Might As Well Be Spring    7:53
8    Lotus Blossom    5:10
9    But Not For Me    7:36
10    Poor Butterfly    6:31
11    Memories Of You Il    6:5
Credits :
Bass – Gary Mazzaroppi
Clarinet, Tenor Saxophone – Ken Peplowski
Drums – Jeff Brillinger
Piano – Ted Rosenthal

CHET BAKER – Broken Wing (1978-2001) RM | Serie Jazz In Paris – 8 | FLAC (tracks+.cue), lossless

Chet Baker's personalized style was well served later in his life, and as his days in Europe were more conducive to his personal lifestyle, it also gave his music a chamber-like quality while maintaining modern mainstream values. Broken Wing is a combination of the two aspects of Baker's understated romanticism, the deep-seeded pain through his drug abuse and the humanity that lies underneath the rough-hewn surface of his tattered heart. This quartet combines the advanced melodic gifts of pianist Phil Markowitz, the great French bassist Jean-François Jenny-Clark, and lesser-known but tasteful drummer Jeff Brillinger, from studio sessions done in Paris in 1978. The tracks are extended because of solos, done mostly by Baker, split between standards and originals penned by the trumpeter, Richie Beirach, and Wayne Shorter. Baker sings on one cut, the lesser-known standard "Oh, You Crazy Moon," with an elusive quality that parallels the specious and ineffable quality of our late-night light in the sky. Fairly lengthy versions of "How Deep Is the Ocean?" and Baker's "Blue Gilles" allow the trumpeter and especially the marvelous Markowitz to stretch out and solo, as they have a streaming flow of improvisational ideas to release. Beirach's "Broken Wing" is particular poignant, deep, and modern, a pretty but sad ballad waltz where Baker's muted trumpet echoes Miles Davis in a forward-thinking style. The lesser-known piece written by Wayne Shorter, "Black Eyes" is in another arena especially for Baker -- marginally harmonic in a light bossa mood, spare, effortless, and compacted within its interplay from the four members. This is not so much an unusual recording from Baker in that his risk-taking is never pronounced or that his soul is completely bared. The document of a short-lived group, it's an interesting effort, well crafted and standing solidly with other items in his latter-period discography. Broken Wing has been reissued on CD from Inner City Records; it should also be noted that Universal has issued this recording with two alternate takes, comprising another quarter hour of music. Either item will suffice to satisfy Baker's fans. Michael G. Nastos  
Tracklist :
1 Broken Wing 7:08
Written-By – Richard Beirach
2 Black Eyes 8:35
Written-By – Wayne Shorter
3 Oh You Crazy Moon 7:02
Written-By – Johnny Burke / Jimmy Van Heusen
4 How Deep Is The Ocean 10:08
Written-By – Irving Berlin
5 Blue Gilles 11:13
Written-By – Chet Baker
6 Black Eyes (Alternative Take) 8:46
Written-By – Wayne Shorter
7 How Deep Is The Ocean (Alternative Take) 8:33
Written-By – Irving Berlin
Credits :
 Bass – Jean-François Jenny-Clark
 Drums – Jeff Brillinger
 Piano – Phil Markowitz
 Trumpet, Vocals – Chet Baker
Nota :
Number 08 of the Jazz in Paris series, although for some reason excluded from the series box set.
Reissue of LP 16 685, recorded Paris, December 28,1978.