Dialogues
Released
Clarinetist and tenor saxophonist Ken Peplowski always shines as a leader, but he seems to have the most fun in co-leader situations. Such as this one, on which he and clarinet legend Kenny Davern front a pianoless trio that includes bassist Nicki Parrott, drummer Tony DeNicola, and a guitar chair occupied sometimes by Howard Alden and sometimes by James Chirillo. The program is strictly swinging: standards like “If Dreams Come True,” “Crazy Rhythm,” and “Comes Love.” Davern’s mellow tone is a major factor throughout, but every player is in his or her element and the band gels as if it had been playing together for decades.