Due Reverence – Ralph Bowen (Posi-Tone Records) – Tenor saxophonist Bowen first came to critical attention in the 1980’s as co-leader of Out of the Blue, a Blue Note-sponsored group that also featured alto saxophonist Kenny Garrett, bassist Robert Hurst, trumpeter Michael Phillip Mossman and drummer Ralph Peterson (all leaders since those days.)
For this, his 2nd for the hot young label out of Los Angeles, California, Bowen has re-assembled the impressive group of veterans who appeared on his previous “Dedications” CD, including Adam Rogers (guitar), John Patitucci (bass) and Antonio Sanchez(drums), with young trumpeter Sean Jones appearing on 1 track. First thing one notices is how spacious this music is. While there is plenty of “fire” in the playing, the sound has no clutter. Opening with a ballad, “Less is More” (dedicated to guitarist/teacher Ted Dunbar), Bowen displays a full-throated sound that meshes well with Roger’s sparkling guitar chords, the wonderful counterpoint from the bass and the quiet yet insistent drum and cymbal work. “One for Bob” (for fellow saxophonist Bob Mintzer) finds Bowen and Sanchez setting a frantic pace while the bass and guitar play intense yet quieter counterpoint. Patitucci is so inventive, melodic yet rhythmically forceful.
Other highlights include the fascinating “Points Encountered” (dedicated to flutist/composer Robert Dick) – the piece has a strong melody line and Bowen’s solo rises easily from the chordal patterns. Rogers offers a spirited solo above Sanchez’s skitterish drums while Patitucci, on electric bass for this track, displays a fine melodic touch. Bowen’s dedication to fellow Canadian Phil Nimmons, “Phil-osophy“, is a boppish romp with walking bass and several blazing solos (most notably, Rogers really lets loose again.) Jones joins the band for “Mr. Scott” (like Robert Dick, one of Bowen’s teacher at Rutgers, where the saxophonist is now on the faculty.) His fiery trumpet solo adds a pleasing dimension to the disk yet again it’s the rhythm section that really drives this piece. Sanchez’s support underneath the solos is quite impressive, especially his work behind Rogers.
While this is definitely Ralph Bowen’s show, his choice of musical comrades makes this music positively shine. Like Tom Harrell, Bowen started with “real” melodies, not riffs, and the music has great flow. To find out more, go to www.posi-tone.com orwww.ralphbowen.com. The CD Release Party for “Due Reverence” will take place Friday April 30 at the Jazz Gallery in New York City – go to www.jazzgallery.org for more information.
Click on the link to hear “Less is More“, the opening track on “Due Reverence.” Thanks to Posi-Tone Records and IODA Promonet for the track.
Less Is More (mp3)
