Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
In Memoriam: Ken Peplowski, 1959–2026
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
Medeski Martin & Wood teamed up with producer John King of the Dust Brothers to put together their 14th album (and fifth on Blue Note Records), End Of The World Party (just in case). It will hit stores Sept. 7.
Known for his work with the Beastie Boys and on the Fight Club soundtrack, King joined the trio for some jam sessions in their converted loft studio on the Brooklyn waterfront. They gave him the tapes to paste together.
John Medeski admits he expected more looping. “But he ended up doing a lot of listening,” the keyboardist said. Drummer Billy Martin has dubbed the 12 original tracks on the album, “groove-driven minimalism.” “[It’s] as organic and natural as anything we’ve ever done,” said bassist Chris Wood.
The band will be touring throughout the summer and fall to promote the album, and, well, because they always do. They will be at the Bonnaroo festival in June, and then on the road with 311 and The Roots for the rest of the summer.
For more information, visit www.mmw.net
Peplowski first came to prominence in legacy swing bands, including the final iteration of the Benny Goodman Orchestra, before beginning a solo career in the late 1980s.
Feb 3, 2026 12:10 AM
Ken Peplowski, a clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who straddled the worlds of traditional and modern jazz, died Feb. 2…
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