Howard Alden - Jazz Guitarist

Cadence July-August-September 2008

Howard Alden/Ken Peplowski-"Pow-Wow"  Arbors 19340

Each group of new CD issues brings versions of broadly-defined jazz traditionalism, with varying results.

Gratifying empathy distinguishes (1), which finds Alden and Peplowski in subtle, intense musical conversation. A duet CD might come to seem cramped, but the varied repertoire makes this one an hour of pleasures. Both players can play anything they can imagine---and their imaginations are large---but they have more to offer than the ability tp articulate cleanly at top speeds. This CD is a thoughtful conversation between two musical friends who become the song, even when they are romping through the opening track, guitarist Joe Puma's variation on "Cherokee" changes. The ambiance suggests the Lucky Thompson trio and quintet sessions, a great compliment. Peplowski's solo feature on "I See Your Face Before Me" is compelling music, and their "The Things We Did Last Summer" is a track I keep coming back to.

Michael Steinman, Cadence Magazine