An educator by profession who holds a position at Rutgers University, Canadian-born saxophonist Ralph Bowen is the latest Posi-Tone Records project producing a hard-driving dose of modern/mainstream jazz with his newest vibrant CD “Dedicated.” Bowen claims influences from many saxophone greats like Bob Mintzer, Pat LaBarbera and the legendary Stan Getz with which Bowen earns comparisons on to such tunes as “Canary Drums” and “Mr. Bebop.” Though only a handful of tunes grace this recording coming in at under 45 minutes, the all original selection delivers a “harmonic message with stunning lyricism” dedicated to several of his mentors(Pat LaBarbera, David Baker, Keith Blackley and Jim Blackley, William Fielder and Eugene Rousseau).
Bowen enlists the help of several top flight musicians who, with their play, provide the sparks that Bowen counts on to move the music forward. He builds a powerful rhythm section led by guitarist Adam Rogers, it also includes the renowned bassist John Patitucci and drummer Antonio Sanchez pounding the cowhide. Of special note is the inclusion of trumpeter Sean Jones who ha s just released a masterful recording of his own (“The Search Within”).
There’s plenty of musical energy on “Dedicated” supplied not only by Ralph Bowen’s own muscular tenor phrasings, but glowing from sparkling solos from the various members of the band—that all together combine in providing one shining performance marking this album a serious contender not a pretender.
Year: 2009
Label: Posi-Tone Records
Artist Web: www.ralphbowen.com
