Adrian Cunningham & Ken Peplowski - Duologue (2018)

In the tradition of great musical duos, we present our ''Duologue'' CD to you. Ken Peplowski and Adrian Cunningham are joined by the shared talents of Martin Wind, Renee Rosnes and Matt Wilson.

''Duologue'' is very much a group effort; each musician contributing an original or lesser known work to the project.


Jazzbos of a certain age were spoiled by albums by Al & Zoot, Jai & Kai and others of that era that could just toss off great sets no matter what. With Renee Rosnes, Martin Wind and Matt Wilson backing them like a working quintet, this crew fashions a date that's right in the classic vibed pocket. A smashing date for listeners that really want to listen, you can't bring back the past but you can catch lightning in a bottle. Even if you're a whippersnapper, this is as close to the cool, groovy stuff you found cleaning out grandpa s basement after he died as you are going to get. Simply a great record that should be enjoyed by a wider audience than jazzbos.

CHRIS SPECTOR, Editor and Publisher --Midwest Record

One solid measure of a good month, for me, is whether it includes the receipt of a new album by Ken Peplowski. And with this one I get a bonus: an introduction to the equally fine clarinetist/saxophonist Adrian Cunningham. Supported by the crack rhythm section of pianist Renee Rosnes, bassist Martin Wind, and drummer Matt Wilson, they romp their way through an assortment of standards, originals, and should-be-standards (notably Warne Marsh's wickedly challenging and tremendously fun 'Background Music'), some at breakneck bebop tempos and some at a stately midtempo swing, all of them played with audible delight and good humor. Normally I credit a rhythm section most when I notice it least (please understand that I say this as a bassist myself), but in the case of this album I kept finding myself noticing little things that Rosnes, Wind, and (especially) Wilson were doing that very briefly drew attention to themselves-but always in ways that strengthened the tune rather than distracting from it. The liner notes indicate that most of these songs were recorded in only one or two takes, which I find astounding; the whole band sounds like it's been playing together for decades. Strongly recommended to all jazz collections.