Ralph Bowen – “Dedicated”
(Positone)
Wow, this cat can really blow. Where do these great, relatively unknown players come from. Apparently tenor saxophonist Bowen is well known around the NYC-area, where he co-led the ’80s “OTB-Out of the Blue” sextet, and is now an instructor at Rutgers U., but he was new to me. And a pleasure it is to make the musical acquaintance. Backed by the stellar cast of Adam Rogers on guitar, Antonio Sanchez on drums and John Patitucci on bass, Bowen shows himself to be not only be both a bold and creative player with monster chops, but also a fine composer as well. Each of the six songs is dedicated to a personal mentor and it is clear these men mean a great deal to the saxman, as evidenced by the care and precision taken with the playing and arrangements. I would venture to say that Bowen, like Donny McCaslin and Chris Potter, has studied his Coltrane (especially on the Giant-Steps-ish “Qaiyum”), Brecker and Rollins, but has fashioned a flavor of his own that is distinct – melodic and seemingly always in control. “Canary Drums” swings in the post-bop manner, with shifting moves, while Rogers exhibits some nice traditionalist soloing on the stately “Pat” and eleswhere. Standout may be the crackling “Mr. Bebop,” with Bowen pulling off Coltrane licks and young trumpeter Sean Jones stopping by with a superb Miles Davis flavored solo on this Wayne Shorter/Herbie Hancock-flavored track. Don’t be a stranger. Ralph.