Ken Peplowski

Ken Peplowski
Peplowski in 2007
Background information
Born(1959-05-23)May 23, 1959
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
DiedFebruary 2, 2026(2026-02-02) (aged 66)
Aboard the Celebrity Summit sailing in the Gulf of Mexico
GenresJazz, dixieland, swing, mainstream jazz, traditional pop
OccupationMusician
InstrumentsClarinet, tenor saxophone
LabelsConcord, Nagel-Heyer, Arbors
Websitekenpeplowski.com

Kenneth Joseph Peplowski (May 23, 1959 – February 2, 2026) was an American jazz clarinetist and tenor saxophonist. He was known primarily for playing swing music. For over a decade, Peplowski recorded for Concord Records.

Life and career

Peplowski was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on May 23, 1959.[1][2] In 2007, Peplowski was named jazz advisor of Oregon Festival of American Music and music director of Jazz Party at The Shedd, both in Eugene, Oregon.

Peplowski battled multiple myeloma for five years. He died unexpectedly on February 2, 2026, at the age of 66.[3][4][5] He had been participating on a Jazz Cruise aboard the Celebrity Summit when he failed to appear for a scheduled afternoon performance, although he had a reputation of being consistently punctual. Peplowski was subsequently found dead in his cabin.[6]

Awards and honors

Discography

As leader/co-leader

  • Double Exposure (Concord Jazz CCD-4344, 1988) – recorded 1987
  • Sonny Side (Concord Jazz CCD-4376, 1989)
  • Mr. Gentle and Mr. Cool (Concord Jazz CCD-4419, 1990)
  • Illuminations (Concord Jazz CCD-4449, 1991)
  • The Natural Touch (Concord Jazz CCD-4517, 1992)
  • Ken Peplowski & Howard Alden with Howard Alden (Concord Jazz CCD-4556, 1993) – recorded 1992
  • Steppin' with Peps (Concord Jazz CCD-4569, 1993)
  • Live at Ambassador Auditorium with Harry "Sweets" Edison (Concord Jazz CCD-4610, 1994)
  • Encore! (Live at Centre Concord) with Howard Alden (Concord Jazz CCD-4654, 1995)
  • It's a Lonesome Old Town (Concord Jazz CCD-4673, 1995)
  • The Other Portrait (Concord Concerto CCD-42043, 1996)
  • A Good Reed (Concord Jazz CCD-4767, 1997)
  • Grenadilla (Concord Jazz CCD-4809, 1998)
  • Last Swing of the Century (Concord Jazz CCD-4864, 1999)
  • All This... Ken Peplowski Live in the U.K. Volume 1 (Koch Jazz KOC-8581, 2000)
  • The Jazz KENNection with Kenny Davern (Arbors ARCD-19246, 2001)
  • Ellingtonian Tales (Mainstem MCD-0021, 2001)
  • Lost in the Stars (Nagel Heyer 2020, 2001)
  • Just Friends with George Masso (Nagel Heyer 5001, 2002)
  • Easy to Remember (Nagel Heyer 2043, 2004)
  • Memories of You (Venus TKCV-35372, 2006) – recorded 2005
  • When You Wish Upon a Star (Venus TKCV-35414, 2007) – recorded 2006
  • Dialogues with Kenny Davern (Arbors ARCD-19317, 2007)
  • Dearest Duke with Carol Sloane and Brad Hatfield (Arbors, 2007)
  • Ken Peplowski Gypsy Jazz Band, Gypsy Lamento (Venus VHCD-1004, 2008) – recorded 2007
  • Pow-Wow with Howard Alden (Arbors ARCD-19340, 2008)
  • Happy Together: Live at Birdland, Volume One with Jesper Thilo (Nagel Heyer CD-097, 2008) – recorded 2002
  • Stardust with the New York Trio (Venus VHCD-1026, 2009) – recorded 2008
  • Doodle Oodle with Alan Barnes (Woodville WVCD-127, 2009)
  • Noir Blue (Capri 74098, 2010)
  • Happy Reunion with Alan Barnes (Woodville WVCD-131, 2010)
  • In Search Of... (Capri 74108, 2011)
  • Maybe September (Capri 74125, 2013)
  • The Clarinet Maestros with Julian Marc Stringle, Craig Milverton (Merfangle MM-415, 2015)
  • At the Watermill with Alan Barnes (Woodville WVCD-143, 2015)
  • Enrapture (Capri 74141, 2016)
  • Ken Peplowski Big Band, Sunrise (Arbors ARCD-19458, 2018) – recorded 2017
  • Duologue with Adrian Cunningham (Arbors ARCD-19460, 2018) – recorded 2017
  • Petite Fleur (Venus VHCD-1259, 2019) – recorded 2018
  • Amizade with Diego Figueiredo (Arbors ARCD-19468, 2019)[8][9]
  • Counterpoint: Lerner & Loewe (Arbors ARCD-19471, 2019)
  • Live at Mezzrow (Cellar Music Group CMSLF-007, 2024) – recorded 2023
  • Unheard Bird (Arbors ARCD-19489, 2024)

As sideman

Publications

References

  1. ^ Williams, Alex (February 11, 2026). "Ken Peplowski, Who Helped Revive the Jazz Clarinet, Dies at 66". The New York Times. Retrieved February 11, 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Ken Peplowski | Biography & History". AllMusic. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  3. ^ Michael J. West (February 3, 2026). "In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026". Downbeat. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  4. ^ "Ken Peplowski, music director for the Oregon Coast Jazz Party, dies at 66". KLCC. February 5, 2026. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  5. ^ The Jazz Cruise on Facebook: "We are sad to report that our dear friend Ken Peplowski died yesterday. Ken was a beloved member not only of The Jazz Cruise family, but of the larger international jazz community as well. "He was a great musician, but he was also one of the very best entertainers ever," said Michael Lazaroff, executive director of Signature Cruise Experiences. "I do not know any musician who respected the bandstand more than Ken. He was always prepared, love performing with his fellow musicians, and, man, could he play!" A more extensive remembrance is coming from us soon."
  6. ^ Colson Thayer (February 4, 2026). "Jazz Musician Ken Peplowski Found Dead on Celebrity Summit Cruise Ship After Missing Scheduled Performance". People. Retrieved February 5, 2026.
  7. ^ "The Natural Touch - Ken Peplowski Quintet | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
  8. ^ Ken Peplowski/Diego Figueiredo, Amizade. Review by Alex Henderson, NYCJR, February 2020, Issue 214, page 38 - retrieved February 12, 2020.
  9. ^ "Ken Peplowski | Album Discography". AllMusic. Retrieved July 31, 2021.
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