New York Trio & Ken Peplowski – Stardust (LP, Venus)

Nobody denies that Bill Charlap is one of the pre-eminent jazz pianists of his generation. His encyclopedic knowledge of the American Songbook is second to none, and his beautiful touch, amazing skill and resourcefulness always make him a pleasure to listen to. Ken Peplowski, on the other hand, is undoubtedly one of the finest clarinetists and tenor saxophonists in the swing tradition. Each has independently recorded a number of albums for Venus Records Japan – Charlap with his amazing New York Trio (featuring Jay Leonhart and Bill Stewart) and Peplowski with his own quartet and the Eddie Higgins Quintet. Wouldn’t it be nice to get them together in a studio and make an album? Yes it would, and indeed they did!