Ken Peplowski, Linda Oh, Phil Woods, Maja Jaku and Jacob Wutzke

From the pulse and precision of Montreal-based modern drummer Jacob Wutzke, we launch into the 946th episode of Neon Jazz, featuring standout cuts from his stellar 2025 album Pedalling Falsehoods. From there, we turn up the heat with the electrifying force of Buddy Rich, spotlighting fire from his 2022 live release Sound of Fury—a blazing reminder of why he remains one of the most debated and celebrated drummers in jazz history. The journey continues with profiles and sounds from boundary-pushing artists and ensembles including Whitney Ross-Barris, LOBE, Maja Jake, and Kelsey Mines. Along the way, we weave in inspired performances from Anna Kolchina, The Jones Factor, Phil Woods, Linda Oh, and Ron Reider—each adding depth, texture, and soul to the hour. And as the final notes settle, we pause to honor the life and legacy of jazz titan Ken Peplowski. His unexpected passing at 66 leaves a profound silence in the jazz world—but his sound, spirit, and swing will echo for generations. This is an hour of fire, finesse, reverence, and remembrance. Dig into the music, my friends.

Playlist

• Jacob Wutzke Pedaling Falsehoods" Pedaling Falsehoods (Independent) 0:00
• Host talks 4:57
• Buddy Rich "Superstar" Sound of Fury Live (Delta Music) 7:14
• Whitney Ross-Barris "Bird of Paradise" Curtains of Light (Whitney Ross-Barris) 11:00
• Host talks 14:47
• Anna Kolchina "Who Can I Turn To" Reach for Tomorrow (OA2 Records) 15:58
• LOBE "Sucker Punch" LOBE (LOBE Productions) 19:04
• Host talks 23:55
• The Jones Factor "High Wire" Not Sure (Jones Factor Music) 25:01
• Maja Jaku "Everything Must Change" Blessed and Bewhitched (Origin Records) 28:47
• Host talks 33:35
• Phil Woods and the Bross Bass "Out of Nowhere" Phil Woods and the Bross Bass {Liquidjazz) 34:17
• Kelsey Mines "Sitting and Not Waiting" Everything Sacred, Nothing Serious (OA2 Records) 38:40
• Host talks 43:03
• Linda May Han Oh "Deeper Than Happy" Initial Here (Greenleaf Music) 43:45
• Ron Rieder "Dizzy Spell" Compositions in Blue and Other Hues (Meson Records) 48:13
• Host talks 52:11
• Ken Peplowski "Enrapture" Enrapture (Capri Records) 53:41