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Ralph Bowen: Power Play
ByOn the album's opener, "K. D.'s Blues," Bowen jumps straight in with a hard-edged tenor riff that soon develops into a powerful and melodic solo. Drummer Donald Edwards and bassist Kenny Davis, who was Bowen's band mate for a few years in the '80s group Out Of The Blue, also impress from the off, creating a driving rhythm that characterizes much of the recording.
Pianist Orrin Evans matches Bowen solo for solo across Power Play. On the snaky "Drumheller Valley," Evans delivers the opening riff with confidence, while his beautifully varied solo has a soulful vibe which contrasts well with Bowen's more bop-ish approach. He's equally stylish when he joins Davis and Edwards to underpin Bowen's lead playing. It's Bowen's warm and lyrical playing that's to the fore on Guy Wood's standard, "My One And Only Love" but the performance is a genuine quartet affair, with the rhythm players' relaxed, and relaxing, approach central to the mood of the song.
While Bowen's tenor saxophone might be the most prominent instrument on the albumit's also the instrument of choice for both of the CD's cover photoshe delivers some of his finest playing, with soprano, on his lovely ballads "Jessica" and "A Solar Romance."
Power Play is an apposite title: for saxophonist Ralph Bowen is certainly one of the most powerful players in contemporary jazz. But power alone is seldom, if ever, enough, and Bowen combines power with exceptional control, feeling and tone. The rest of the quartet shares Bowen's characteristics, ensuring that this collection of tunes is constantly rewarding.
Track Listing
K.D.'s Blues; Drumheller Valley; Two-Line Pass; My One And Only Love; The Good Shepherd; Bella Firenze; Jessica; Walleye Jigging; A Solar Romance.
Personnel
Ralph Bowen
saxophoneRalph Bowen: saxophones; Orrin Evans: piano; Kenny Davis: bass; Donald Edwards: drums.
Album information
Title: Power Play | Year Released: 2011 | Record Label: Posi-Tone Records
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