Although primarily identified with the modern swing movement and long a fixture at trad jazz festivals, clarinetist Ken Peplowski's musical interests are not that limited. On this date with pianist Ben Aronov, bassist Greg Cohen and drummer Chuck Redd, Peplowski not only welcomes as guests his frequent guitarist Howard Alden and (on "Farewell Blues") veteran clarinetist Kenny Davern, but on three pieces he interacts with Marty Ehrlich, whose clarinet and bass clarinet playing is usually heard in avant-garde settings. In addition, on bassist Cohen's "Variations," the full instrumentation consists of Peplowski, Ehrlich on bass clarinet, J.D. Parran on contrabass clarinet and alto clarinetist Scott Robinson! Although none of the music on his date is really that avant-garde, it does give Peplowski an opportunity to stretch a bit beyond his roots. Highlights include Aronov's Tristano-ish "Benny's Pennies," "Copi," Ehrlich's "The Reconsidered Blues," the heated "Farewell Blues" (the first meeting on record by Peplowski and Davern) and "Variations." A stimulating program. ~ Scott Yanow, All Music Guide
Grenadilla (or other, similar spellings) is a name given to a number of different woods, all of them strong and dense. A famous wood so named is that of Dalbergia melanoxylon, in English African blackwood and in East Africa known as mpingo). It is used for making musical instruments, mainly the oboe, the flute, the piccolo, the clarinet, the recorder, and the Great Highland Bagpipe. Even though the sound and resonance of grenadilla is not as good as other woods, such as rosewood, it is chosen for instrument manufacture because it cracks less easily and machines better[citation needed]. In the process of manufacturing, 90% of the wood is rejected because of visible flaws that will cause it to function improperly. Even a flaw the size of a pinhead can cause errors. Grenadilla ranges in color from dark brown to jet black. Top quality grenadilla can sell for $18,000 a cubic meter. Grenadilla is very hard, and has a fine, close grain.
Conservation status
Since grenadilla only grows in special locations, and takes many years to mature, it is a very threatened species. Some clarinet manufacturers, like Buffet Crampon, make models of clarinets with a special materials such as 90% ebony powder and 10% carbon fiber. This has the same tonal and acoustic qualities as grenadilla, but is heavier.
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