Peps live in Pasadena
Bomojaz | South Central PA, USA | 04/08/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"
Recorded live in February 1994, this CD features Ken in a variety of musical settings, from old jazz standards (EXACTLY LIKE YOU) to boppish originals (NUTS) to the bossa nova (MENINA FLOR). As usual he alternates between clarinet and tenor sax, with his tenor playing especially fine on GHOST OF A CHANCE and THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ARE FREE, this last track the highlight of the disc. A modern-styled clarinetist, he is at his Buddy DeFranco-styled best on NUTS and the Red Norvo-Tal Farlow inferno called I BRUNG YOU FINJIANS FOR YOUR ZARF. Howard Alden is on guitar offering superb support, and the rhythm section is solid. Sweets Edison guests on three selections, the best being the aforementioned BEST THINGS IN LIFE. Definitely worth checking out. (The gig is also available on video.)"