New Music Monday — Ken Peplowski, Albare, Abena Koomson-Davis

We have new music from Ken Peplowski, Albare, and Abena Koomson-Davis for New Music Monday on March 18 at noon on Lunchtime! with Arturo Gómez.

Ken Peplowski: “unheard bird”
The extremely talented clarinetist and tenor saxophonist Ken is known for his splendid stage presence when playing live with his band as he engages the audience with his sharp banter and humor. He has been a frequent performer at the Vail Jazz Party. This new recording is the result of Peplowski’s research into the lesser-known side of Charlie Parker, his arrangements for strings accompaniment that he never had the opportunity to record, they would have been the sequel to Bird’s legendary “With Strings” recording. Along with the seven-piece strings section including oboe and harp, Ken is accompanied by standouts, Terell Stafford, Glen Zaleski-piano, Peter Washington-bass, and Willie Jones III at the drums. A stunning session!

Albare: “Beyond Belief”
For 40 years Albare has been playing guitar professionally mixing in all the influences he has absorbed while living in many locations. Born Albert Dadon in Morocco, he was raised in Israel and lived in France before settling down on a farm in Australia about 10 years ago. Throughout his tours and recording career his musical ally, pianist, and music director for 33 years has been Phil Turcio while another Phil, Rex has been his bassist for 15 years. Albare’s 15th album was recorded in Melbourne, Australia, and none of the ten tracks are originals by Albare and Turcio. One track features a recent resident of Australia, vocalist Lionel Cole, the son of the renowned Freddy Cole.

Abena Koomson-Davis: “where is love.”
More than just a vocalist, Abena was an original cast member of the hit Broadway musical FELA! which earned 3 TONY® awards. She is also a dancer and an educator. Raised in Brooklyn, she was exposed to many different types of music and dance which are now part of her repertoire. She currently is the Music Director of the Women’s March Resistance Revival Chorus. For her debut, she chose a playlist of standards, Broadway, blues, bossa, and pop songs proving her versatility. She is backed by a stellar cast of NYC musicians ensembled by Abena’s husband, the gifted trombonist, Steve Davis. The album is released by WJ3 Records, owned by Willie Jones III who is the drummer and producer for the wonderful outing.

Now in its 21st year of debuting the latest arrivals to the KUVO Jazz library, many of them are played ahead of their official release date. In addition to the music comments, I’ll provide a few tidbits about the artist, if it’s a new or an up-and-coming artist. It all begins at Noon every Monday.

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