Some jazz artists revisit the American Songbook for a thematic cover album. Some adapt pop or R&B songs into instrumentals. Ken Peplowski takes a different approach. Maybe September (Capri Records, 2013) features new arrangements of 10 songs that come from an array of artists – songs that aren’t commonly covered.

Among those composers whose songs are arranged here are Irving Berlin, Artie Shaw, Brian Wilson, Duke Ellington, Percy Faith and Harry Nilsson.

Peplowski plays clarinet and tenor saxophone. His sidemen are Ted Rosenthal, piano; Martin Wind, bass; and Matt Wilson, drums.

“Moon Ray” features Peplowski on the clarinet. This is a lively adaptation of the Paul Madison/Artie Shaw composition. Peplowski’s performance is worthy of Eddie Daniels or Pete Fountain.

Peplowski takes to the tenor for “Always a Bridesmaid,” the album’s only original song. It’s a full display of the saxophone as Peplowski goes free styling. He does step back a little for Rosenthal and Wilson to showcase their chops, but it’s really all about the leader.

Maybe September is Peplowski’s third album for Capri. His previous efforts are Noir Blue and In Search Of ….