George Masso & Ken Peplowski: Just Friends

Recorded at the Amerika Haus in Hamburg, Just Friends represents the standard jazz fare that the German label Nagel Heyer has come to be known for. This present concert highlights traditional stalwarts George Masso and Ken Peplowski performing chestnuts from the Great American Songbook. There is nothing earthshaking here, just good jazz impeccably performed. Masso has a bright and full-bodied tone, perfectly suited for this straight-down-the-middle slice of music. Ken Peplowski is the perfect reedman for Masso, weaving in and out of the melodies at will. The song choices are not surprising, with the exception of these traditionalists performing (very capably, I might ass) "Blue Monk." From the older side, "On The Alamo" comes off like a radio show featuring Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller in a hypothetical small group performance. The rhythm section is uniformly fine, as are all of the pieces. There is nothing to not recommend this recording to any lover of traditional, mainstream jazz.