Saxophonist Ralph Bowen steps into the limelight for the second time on Posi-Tone Records with his newest release Due Reverence. The quartet features Adam Rogers on guitar, John Patitucci on bass and Antonio Sanchez on drums. The quartet transforms into a quintet for one song with Sean Jones on trumpet and of course, Bowen on tenor saxophone.
First I must say that I have been a huge fan of Ralph Bowen’s since first hearing him play with the 80s jazz group OTB (Out of the Blue). I have followed his impressive career as a sideman and leader and briefly elected to study with him at one point. Hearing Ralph Bowen again on his newest release rekindles my longtime admiration for his musicianship and ability as a saxophonist.
Due Reverence features Bowen on five cuts, each of which are dedicated to different mentors in his musical life. From the opening Less Is More to the final Points Encountered, the ensemble works as a cohesive, malleable unit, never overplaying for the sake of pyrotechnics. The use of guitar, rather than piano allows Bowen and the rest of group more space and room to breathe throughout each song. Roger’s playing is strong but never overbearing – a perfect compliment to the world-class ensemble.
The deceptively understated guitar intro quickly transcends into Bowen’s delicious tenor sound on the simple melody statement. Less Is More is an apt title at the onset however Bowen’s saxophone quickly picks up the pace adventuring further and pushing the rhythm section to new heights during his first solo. Things calm at the solo guitar interlude and yet build again through Adam Roger’s solo. Just as things started, the tune finishes out with Ralph Bowen’s gorgeous tenor sound on the melody.
As with all of the tunes on Due Reverence, each is dedicated to a particular influence in Ralph Bowen’s musical life. This One’s for Bob (for Bob Mintzer) hit’s its mark with a blistering melody and solo offered by Bowen. Rogers solos on guitar and Antonio Sanchez displays great skills on the drums over Patitucci’s percolating bass lines.
It is easy to recognize the homage paid to post-Trane New York tenor saxophonists. Interestingly enough, Bowen’s playing seems a balanced mix of Michael Brecker’s influence as much as that of Bob Mintzer. Whatever the case, Ralph Bowen carries on the tradition of many great post-bop players.
The first opportunity for the band to swing comes on the third track, Phil-Osophy. Bowen’s tenor lines and execution are flawless, yet ever melodic. His solo demonstrates his mastery of the tenor saxophone throughout the range of the instrument, even playing the altissimo as an extension of the horn. As a long time fan of Ralph Bowen, I have been acquainted with his many abilities, particularly his command of the altissimo. Here, he uses the 3rd register more as an extension of the instrument, rather than for punctuation as he and many others did early in their careers. This is presumably a reaction to the similar exploration of this register by players like Chris Potter, Eric Alexander and Seamus Blake – who Ralph Bowen certainly predates as a regular on the New York scene and beyond.
Mr. Scott begins with an infectious Afro-Cuban influence groove certainly familiar to Bowen from his longtime association with Horace Silver. The Latin groove is underlying throughout, yet the quartet swings intermittently. It’s a great feel for Bowen and guest trumpeter Sean Jones to work above. Patitucci and Sanchez finish out the solo section with a wonderful interplay here as elsewhere on Due Reverence. Mr. Bowen blows a bit more for his fans, sandwiched between the final trumpet and tenor duo.
The final track – and yes, I wish there were more – is the playful Points Encountered. Bowen and Rogers solo between the two statements of the melody. The cd ends just as unassuming as it began with a simple fade in the ensemble.
Due Reverence by Ralph Bowen is truly a great addition to any jazz enthusiast’s cd collection. Beyond that, it is a shining example of one of the most gifted tenor saxophonists in our presence today.
You can find out more about Ralph Bowen at ralphbowen.com
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