Ralph Bowen – Due Reverence – Posi-Tone

by | Mar 13, 2010 | Jazz CD Reviews | 0 comments

Ralph Bowen – Due Reverence – Posi-Tone PR8061, 42:18 ****:

(Ralph Bowen, tenor sax; Sean Jones, trumpet; Adam Rogers, guitar; John Patitucci, bass; Antonio Sanchez, drums)

Following on the heels of last summer’s Dedicated, Ralph Bowen is back with another CD honoring more of his musical influences. Bowen was a member, along with Kenny Garrett and Ralph Peterson, of the young lion Blue Note 1980s group, Out of the Blue. Bowen has gone on to record four Criss Cross label CDs and this is his second Posi-Tone issue. Like last year’s Dedicated CD, Ralph honors both well known and lesser known talents. Where last year it was Pat La Barbera and Eugene Rousseau, Due Reverence this time introduces influences, Canadian jazz educator and clarinetist, Phil Nimmons; high energy flautist, Robert Dick (who has earned the moniker “Hendrix of the flute"); and James Scott, head of the North Texas State music department. Other honors are given to better known musicians, Bob Mintzer, the talented saxophonist, and guitarist and educator, Ted Dunbar.

Due Reverence opens with a gorgeous statement by guitarist Adam Rogers in the tribute to Ted Dunbar, Less is More. Bowen’s saxophone playing here is both sensuous and assured with a mature big-toned timbre. Drummer Sanchez is upfront in the mix and Rogers assists in bridging a classical/ jazz mood. Engineer Nick O’Toole has done a super job on this CD as the acoustics are first rate with audiophile-quality warm sound. This One’s for Bob is a hard blowing tribute to Mintzer, where Bowen is center stage. Again Sanchez pushes Bowen along driving the beat.

Phil-osophy again showcases Bowen and Adam Rogers, but Patitucci shows his prodigious bass chops near the middle of the track. Mr. Scott is the longest track at 11:15, and it welcomes young and upcoming trumpeter Sean Jones, and Sean’s blend with Bowen is welcome. When Jones gets his solo near four minutes into the track, it highlights his hard bop credentials as he is both lyrical, but has a brassy snap that shows he is a force to be reckoned with. Rogers follows with an introspective solo ably comped by Patitucci. This was my favorite track on Due Reverence.

The CD closes Bowen’s dedications with Points Encountered, dedicated to Robert Dick. It is relatively restrained and Adam Rogers gets extensive exposure. Rogers’ superlative work on this CD makes me want to check out his Criss Cross issues.

Bowen’s sophomore effort for Posi-Tone matches his debut with the label. It’s a classy issue with first rate sidemen. I’ll be looking forward to future issues to find out who Bowen might honor next. His influences are wide spread, and indicate his musical background and active interest in various jazz genres.

TrackList: Less is More, This One’s for Bob, Phil-osophy, Mr. Scott, Points Encountered

– Jeff Krow

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