Reviewing CDs is a tough job. No, really it is. After all if you want to do it properly, it takes quite a few listening sessions to get a real feel for the music and a considered opinion. Sometimes a few sessions are just the beginning of a beautiful relationship with the CD, as I suspect is going to be the case with the one I’m listening to right now – an Arbors release with Johnny Varro (piano) and Ken Peplowski(clarinet). Other times, listening to a CD for work feels just like that – work. ..
Anyway, listening to the Peplowski CD is doubling as a taster for the forthcoming Norwich Jazz Party – my first extended shot of jazz so far this year (a terrific duo concert by Alan Barnes and David Newton in Glasgow’s City Halls Recital Rooms being a very tasty aperitif). Many of the musicians whose music means the most to those of us with a taste for mainstream and classic jazz will be there, and, since there are so far no clues as to who’ll be at the Glasgow, Edinburgh or Nairn jazz festivals this year, I figure the chance to hear favourites has to be grabbed when it’s available.. even if Norwich is a hop, skip and an almighty schlep from Glasgow.
Among the musicians on the Norwich bill are John Bunch (piano), Warren Vache (cornet), the aforementioned Peplowski (clarinet & tenor sax), Alan Barnes (clarinet & saxes), Bucky Pizzarelli (guitar), Scott Hamilton (tenor sax) and Rossano Sportiello (piano). Visit www.norwichjazzparty.com for more info.
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