Ralph Bowen
Ralph Bowen | |
---|---|
Born |
Guelph, Ontario, Canada | December 24, 1961
Genres | Jazz |
Occupation(s) | Musician |
Instruments | Tenor saxophone, flute, drums |
Labels | Criss Cross, Posi-Tone |
Website | Official website |
Ralph Bowen is a Canadian-born jazz saxophonist, born on December 24, 1961, at Guelph, Ontario.[1]
Bowen started piano lessons at and early age, with clarinet and saxophone lessons following soon after. By the age of thirteen, he was leading his own quartet and performing in big bands in the Toronto area. As a teenager, Bowen was awarded a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to study music with Pat LaBarbera and Phil Nimmons at the Banff School of Fine Arts. While in Toronto, he studied with LaBarbera for a total of eight years and developed a long-time association with drummer Keith Blackley and his father educator/drummer Jim Blackley. As well, he performed and recorded with Canadian fusion group Manteca.
In 1983 and 1984, he was awarded two more grants to pursue his musical studies in the Jazz Department at Indiana University, where his teacher was David Baker. In 1985, the same year he and Cecil Taylor were voted "Main Jazz Men of the Year" by Canada's Toronto Globe and Mail, Bowen won the audition for the Blue Note Records co-leader position of the contemporary all-star New York based jazz band known as Out of the Blue (OTB). He moved to New York, and would eventually record four albums for Blue Note. Thereafter, he recorded a series of albums for the Dutch label Criss Cross Jazz. Most recently, he has been recording for the USA-based label Posi-Tone Records.
In 1986, Bowen began to tour with internationally acclaimed jazz pianist Michel Camilo with whom he eventually recorded a number of albums and movies soundtracks. In addition, between 1986 and 1991, Bowen also completed three world tours with jazz pianist Horace Silver, and toured Europe with critically acclaimed pianist Jim Beard. He has also had long-time associations with other leaders including pianists Orrin Evans, Jim Trompeter, Renee Rosnes, and Earl MacDonald; drummer Ralph Peterson, Jr..; bassist Charles Fambrough, and composer Dr. Anthony Branker.
Bowen has been in charge of the program in jazz at Rutgers University's Mason Gross School of the Arts and is a resident of Piscataway, New Jersey.[2]
Discography
As a Leader
- Ralph Bowen, 2017 (Posi-Tone)
- Standard Deviation, 2014 (Posi-Tone)
- Total Eclipse, 2012 (Posi-Tone)
- Power Play, 2011 (Posi-Tone)
- Due Reverence, 2010 (Posi-Tone)
- Dedicated, 2009 (Posi-Tone)
- Five, 2008 (Criss Cross)
- Keep the Change, 2004 (Criss Cross)
- Soul Proprietor, 2002 (Criss Cross)
- A Morning View, 2001 (Ratamacue)
- Movin' On, 1992 (Criss Cross)
As a Co-leader
- Out of the Blue (1985) Blue Note
- Inside Track (1986) Blue Note
- Live in Mt Fuji (1986) Blue Note
- Spiral Staircase (1989) Blue Note
- Other projects
- Free Trade (1994) Justin Time
- LUVPARK (2004) Imani
As a Sideman
2017
- Michael Dease Sextet “Tba” Posi-Tone
2016
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Imagine "Beauty Within" Origin Records
- Jae Sinnett Quartet “Zero to 60” J-Nett Records
- Andre White & Dave Laing “Give the Drummer Some” DK Records
2014
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “The Forward Suite” Origin
2013
- Bob Devos “Shadow Box” ASM
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “Uppity” Origin
2012
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Ascent “Together” Origin
- Conrad Herwig “A Voice Through The Door” Criss cross
- John Hyde Group “Song of Seaview” Death Defying
2011
- Jared Gold “All Wrapped-Up” Posi-Tone
- Captain Black Big Band “Captain Black Big Band” Posi-Tone
- Dr. Anthony Branker-Word Play “Dialogic” Origin
2010
- Anthony Branker and Ascent “Dance Music” Origin
2009
- John Hyde “John Hyde Quartet” Death Defying
- Jim Rotondi “The Move” Criss Cross
- Nino Josele “Espanola” Warner
- Dr. Anthony Branker & Ascent “Blessings” Origin
- Kenny Davis “Kenny Davis Group” Daken
2008
- Earl MacDonald Big Band “re:Visions – WFJO” Death Defying
- The Brenan Brothers “The Throwdown” Death Defying
- Andrew/Hutchinson Trio “Music Box”
- Papo Vaquez Mighty Pirates “Marooned” (GRAMMY NOMINATED) Aislado
2007
- Jim Trompeter Quintet “Live at the Green Mill”
2006
- LUVPARK “LUVPARK II” Imani
2005
- Brian Lynch “Con Clave” Criss Cross
- Tony Deangelis “Everybody's Song” TAJ Records
- Orrin Evans “Easy Now” Criss Cross
2004
- LUVPARK “Luvpark” Imani
- Sciora “Sciora”
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Ascent “Spirit Songs” Origin
- Mark Sweetman “Remembering J. Coltrane” Marcmuse
2002
- Orrin Evans “Meant to Shine” Palmetto
2001
- Marc Sweetman “All Paths Lead to One” Marcmuse
- Craig Schoedler “By the Water” Progressive
2000
- The Fins “Superstar” Fins
- Seed “Seed” Hipnotic
- Vince Dimura “Imperfect Balance” Dimura
1999
- Orrin Evans “Listen to the Band” Criss Cross
- Len Bryant “It's Now Midnight” Len
- Ralph Peterson “Back to Stay” Sirocco
1998
- Orrin Evans “Captain Black” Criss Cross
- Dawn Warren “Dawn” Imani
- Ana Belen “lorquiana” BMG
- Barry Sames “Awaiting the Spirit” Intrigue
- Orrin Evans “Grown Folks Business” Criss Cross
1997
- Marc Sweetman “Inspired” Marc Muse
- K-Jazz All-Stars/Amigos “Spirit Talk” K-Jazz
- Nilda Fernandez “Innu Nikamu” EMI
- The Fins “Blues Print” Fins
- K-Jazz All-Stars “Strait Ahead” K-Jazz
- Earl McDonald “Schroeder's Tantrum” Radioland
1996
- Michel Camilo “Two Much Soundtrack”Verve
- John Serry “Enchantress” Telarc
- Esque “Strangers No More” K-Jaz
- George Johnson “Turquoise Ocean” A Records
1995
- Fortune/Vinson/Cruse “Crusin'” K-Jazz
- INNOVATORS “Sam Cardon & Kurt Bestor” Treble V
- Didier Lockwood “New York Rendezvous” JMS (Premier recording of original composition “Gordon”)
Didier Lockwood-Violin; Dave Liebman-Saxophone; Dave Kikoski-Piano; Dave Holland -Bass; Peter Erskine-Drums; Jim Beard-Producer
- Charles Fambrough “Keeper of the Spirit” Audioquest
1994
- Free Trade “Free Trade” Justin Time
- Michel Camilo “One More Once” Columbia
- Vince Dimura “Black on White” Angel Tear
1993
- Jon Herington “Complete Rhyming Dictionary” Pioneer
- Various Artists “Jazz Valentine-In the Mood” Music Masters
1992
- Benny Carter “Harlem Renaissance” Music Masters
1991
- Horace Silver “Rockin' with Rachmoninov” Bop City
1990
- Michel Camilo “On the Other Hand” Columbia
- Renee Rosnes “Renee Rosnes” Blue Note
- Michel Camilo Sextet “Jazzin TV”
- Manteca “Extra, Extra” Duke Street
1989
- OTB-Out of the Blue “Spiral Staircase” Blue Note
1986
- Various Artists “Blue Note '86” Blue Note
- OTB-Out of the Blue “Live at Mt. Fuji” Blue Note
- OTB-Out of the Blue “Inside Track” Blue Note
1985
- OTB-Out of the Blue “Out of the Blue” Blue Note
- Manteca “Strength in Numbers” Ready
Complete Discography
2017
- Ralph Bowen "Ralph Bowen" Posi-Tone
- Michael Dease Sextet “Tba” Posi-Tone
2016
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Imagine "Beauty Within" Origin Records
- Jae Sinnett Quartet “Zero to 60” J-Nett Records
- Andre White & Dave Laing “Give the Drummer Some” DK Records
2014
- Ralph Bowen "Standard Deviation" Posi-Tone
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “The Forward Suite” Origin
2013
- Bob Devos “Shadow Box” ASM
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “Uppity” Origin
2012
- Ralph Bowen "Total Eclipse" Posi-Tone
- Dr. Anthony Branker and Ascent “Together” Origin
- Conrad Herwig “A Voice Through The Door” Criss cross
- John Hyde Group “Song of Seaview” Death Defying
2011
- Ralph Bowen "Power Play" Posi-tone
- Anthony Branker & Ascent "Dance Music" Origin
- Jared Gold "All Wrapped Up" Posi-Tone
- Captain Black Big Band (Self-Titled) Posi-Tone
2010
- Ralph Bowen "Due Reverence" Posi-tone
- John Hyde "John Hyde Quartet"
- Jim Rotondi "The Move" Criss Cross
- Nino Josele "Espanola" Warner
2009
- Ralph Bowen "Dedicated" Posi-tone
- Kenny Davis Group "Kenny Davis" Daken
- Anthony Branker & Ascent "Blessings" Origin
2008
- The Brenan Brothers "The Throwdown" Death-Defying
- Jim Trompeter Quintet "Live at the Green Mill"
- Andrew/Hutchinson Trio "Music Box"
- Papo Vaquez Mighty Pirates "Marooned" Aislado
- Ralph Bowen Quintet "Five" Criss Cross
2006
- Ralph Bowen LUVPARK II Imani
- Anthony Branker & Ascent "Spirit Songs" Origin
2005
- Brian Lynch "Con Clave" Criss Cross
- Tony Deangelis "Everybody's Song"
2004
- Horace Silver "Rockin' w/Rachmoninov Bop City
- LUVPARK "Luvpark" Imani
- Ralph Bowen Quintet "Keep the Change" Criss Cross
- Sciora "Sciora"
2003
- Mark Sweetman "Remembering John Coltrane" Marcmuse
2002
- Orrin Evans "Meant to Shine" Palmetto
- Ralph Bowen "Soul Proprietor" Criss Cross
2001
- Ralph Bowen "A Morning View" Ratamacue
- Marc Sweetman "All Paths Lead to One" Marcmuse
- Bob Murphy Quartet "Free On The Inside" Roadhouse
- Craig Schoedler "By the Water" Progressive
- Vince Dimura "Imperfect Balance" Dimura
2000
- The Fins "Superstar" Fins
- Seed "Seed" Hipnotic
- Orrin Evans "Listen to the Band" Criss Cross
- Len Bryant "It's Now Midnight" Len
1999
- Ralph Peterson "Back to Stay" Sirocco
- Orrin Evans "Old Folk's Business" Criss Cross
1998
- Orrin Evans "Captain Black" Criss Cross
- Dawn Warren "Dawn" Imani
- Marc Sweetman "Inspired" Marc Muse
- K-Jazz All-Stars/Amigos "Spirit Talk" K-Jazz
- Nilda Fernandez "Innu Nikamu" EMI
1997
- George Johnson "Turquoise Ocean" A Records
- The Fins "Blues Print" Fins
- K-Jazz All-Stars "Strait Ahead" K-Jazz
- Earl McDonald "Schroeder's Tantrum" CBC
1996
- Michel Camilo "Too Much" Verve
- John Serry "Enchantress" Telarc
- Esque "Strangers No More" K-Jazz
1995
- Michel Camilo "Two Much Soundtrack" Verve
- Fortune/Vinson/Cruse "Crusin'" K-Jazz
1994
- Charles Fambrough "Keeper of the Spirit" Audioquest
- Free Trade "Free Trade" Justin Time
- Michel Camilo "One More Once" Columbia
- Vince Dimura "Black on White" Angel Tear
- Barry Sames "Awaiting the Spirit" Intrigue
1993
- Jon Herington "Complete Rhyming Dictionary"
- Pioneer Various Artists "Jazz Valentine-In the Mood" Music Masters
1992
- Ralph Bowen "Movin' On" Criss Cross
- Benny Carter "Harlem Renaissance" Music Masters
1991
- Horace Silver "Rockin' with Rachmoninov" Emerald
1990
- Michel Camilo "On the Other Hand" Columbia
- Renee Rosnes "Renee Rosnes" Blue Note
- Bobby Watson & Horizon "Post-Motown Bop" Blue Note
1989
- OTB "Spiral Staircase" Blue Note
1986
- Various Artists "Blue Note '86" Blue Note
- OTB "Live at Mt. Fuji" Blue Note
- OTB "Inside Track" Blue Note
1985
- OTB "Out of the Blue" Blue Note
- Manteca "Extra, Extra" Duke Street
- Manteca "Strength in Numbers" Ready
Recorded Compositions
Recorded Original Compositions
2017
- Ralph Bowen “Ralph Bowen” Posi-Tone
Cache Cache
A Rookery of Ravens
A Leap of Leopards
A Pandemonium of Parrots
A Flamboyance of Flamingos
A Venue of Vultures
A Cast of Crabs
2012
- Ralph Bowen “Total Eclipse” Posi-tone
Total Eclipse”
Behind the Curtain
Into the City
The Dowsing Rod
On Green
Arrows of Light
Exosphere
Hip Check
In My Dreams
2011
- Ralph Bowen “Two-Line Pass” Posi-tone
K.D.s Blues
Two-Line Pass
Jessica
Bella Firenze
The Good Shepherd
A Solar Romance
Drumheller Valley
Walleye Jigging
- Jared Gold "All Wrapped Up" Posi-Tone
Midnight Snack
2010
- Ralph Bowen “Due Reverence” Posi-tone
Less Is More
This One's For Bob
Phil-osophy
Mr. Scott
Points Encountered
- John Hyde Quartet “John Hyde Quartet”
Cache-Cache
- Jim Rotondi “The Move” Criss Cross
K.D.’s Blues
2009
- Ralph Bowen “Dedicated” Posi-tone
Canary Drums
Qaiyam
Mr. BeBop
Prof
Pat
E.R.
2008
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Five” Criss Cross
Baby Girl
First Hiatus
Free Time
Blues Cruz
- Brenan Brothers “The Throw Down” Death Defying
Gemini
- Jim Trompeter Quintet “Live at the Green Mill”
Soul Proprietor
The First Stone
2004
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Keep the Change” Criss Cross
For You
Thru Traffic
For D.E
Gordon
Keep the Change
2002
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Soul Proprietor” Criss Cross
Meltdown
Spikes
Under a Cloud
The First Stone
Soul Proprietor
- Orrin Evans “Meant to Shine” Palmetto
Elevation
2001
- Ralph Bowen Quartet “A Morning View” Ratamacue
Country Rhythm
A Morning View
In My Dreams
On Green
One for Trane
Four in One, Six in the Other
Oh Really?
1999
- Ralph Peterson Jr. “Back to Stay” Sirocco
Did You Notice
1997
- K-Jazz All-Stars “Strait Ahead” K-Jazz
Meltdown
1996
- Didiere Lockwood “New York Rendezvous” JMS
Gordon
1992
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Movin' On” Criss Cross
Convergence
A Little Silver in My Pocket
For You
Just Reconnoitering
Altitudes
Thru Traffic
1989
- OTB-Out of the Blue “Spiral Staircase” Bluenote
Gerri-Ann
1986
- OTB_Out of the Blue “Live at Mt. Fuji” Bluenote
Elevation
1986
- OTB-Out of the Blue “Inside Track” Bluenote
Elevation
Inside Track
1985
- OTB-Out of the Blue “OTB-Out of the Blue” Bluenote
Reunited
Recorded Arrangements
2014
- Ralph Bowen Quartet “Standard Deviation” Posi-Tone
Isn't It Romantic by R. Rodgers arr. Ralph Bowen
No Moon At All by D. Mann arr. Ralph Bowen
You Don't Know What Love Is by G. de Paul arr. Ralph Bowen
Spring Is Here by R. Rodgers arr. Ralph Bowen
Dream Dancing by C. Porter arr. Ralph Bowen
By Myself by H. Martin arr. Ralph Bowen
2008
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Five” Criss Cross
Step Lightly by Joe Henderson arr. Ralph Bowen
Rahsaan’s Run by Woody Shaw arr. Ralph Bowen
Drowning Man by U2 arr. Ralph Bowen
2004
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Keep the Change” Criss Cross
Who Will Buy by Lionel Bart arr. Ralph Bowen
Boy for Sale by Lionel Bart arr. Ralph Bowen
In the Good Old Summertime by Evans / Shields arr. Ralph Bowen
2002
- Ralph Bowen Quintet “Soul Proprietor” Criss Cross
Invitation by Borislav Kaper arr. Ralph Bowen
Inner Urge by Joe Henderson arr. Ralph Bowen
Peace by Horace Silver arr. Ralph Bowen
Commissioned Works
2016
Forgotten Peoples by Dr. Anthony Branker-Arranged for Jazz Ens by Ralph Bowen
Crystal Angel by Dr. Anthony Branker-Arranged for Jazz Ens by Ralph Bowen
2006
Little Miss B Original Composition and Arrangement by Ralph Bowen; Commissioned by The Commission Project, Rochester NY and Anthony Branker-Sons of Sound Music for the Princeton University Jazz Ensemble; premiered May, 2006.
2001
NJ-IAJE Junior Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 4.
NJ-IAJE High School Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 4.
1999
NJ-IAJE Junior Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 2.
NJ-IAJE High School Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 2.
Audio Visual Recordings
2005
- Concert-Michel Camilo Big Band, Tenerife, Spain (Performer)
2004
- Concert-Ray Charles and the Raylets, The Rutgers NJPBS Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra, Live at War Memorial Hall (Performer)
2000
- Concert “Innovators” TrebleV (Performer)
1996
- Movie-“Two Much” Fernando Trueba, director; Julio Martinez-Lazaro, producer; Michel Camilo, music. Starring Melanie Griffith, Daryl Hanna & Antonio Banderas (Performer)
1994
- Concert-Michel Camilo Big Band-Live in D.R. CBS Sony (Performer)
- Movie-“Los Peores Anos de Nuestra” Vida Fernando Trueba, director;Julio Martinez-Lazaro, producer; Michel Camilo, music (Performer)
1993
- Movie “Amo Tu Cama Rica” Fernando Trueba, director;Julio Martinez-Lazaro, producer; Michel Camilo, music. Best Romantic Comedy of 1993 (Performer)
1991
- Documentary-“Seeds of a New City” RU-TV Tony Heriza, producer (Composer)
1991
- Documentary-“Community Gardening-An Urban Remedy” RU-TV Tony Heriza, producer (Composer)
1989
- Concert-“New Stars on Blue Note Capitol” Bluenote (Performer)
1986
- Concert-OTB & Art Blakey-Jazz Messengers Toshiba (Performer)
Education
1992
- Master of Music Degree M.M.; Major-Classical Flute Performance: Rutgers-the State University of New Jersey, MGSA New Brunswick, NJ. Flute Studies under Dr. James S. Scott and Robert Dick.
1989
- Bachelor of Music Degree B.M.; Major-Jazz Saxophone Performance and Classical Flute Performance, Summa Cum Laude: Rutgers-the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. Saxophone studies with Bob Mintzer and flute studies with Dr. James S. Scott.
1984-1986
- Artist Diploma Program A.D.(incomplete); Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Concentrations: Jazz Composition, Improvisation, Theory, and History under tutelage of David N. Baker; Classical Saxophone with Eugene Rousseau.
1978
- Grade 13 Secondary School Honours Graduation Diploma, Ministry of Education, Ontario, Canada.
Awards and Recognition
2012
- Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New Releases
Aug 16, 2012 #37 Ralph Bowen, “Total Eclipse,” Posi-Tone Records
July 26, 2012 #39 Ralph Bowen, “Total Eclipse,” Posi-Tone Records
2011
- Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New Releases
June 9, 2011 #31 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
May 19, 2011 #38 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
May 5, 2011 #32 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
April 14, 2011 #30 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
March 24 #26 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
- 100 Greatest Jazz Albums of the Year 2011 “Due Reverence” by Ralph Bowen #11
2010
- Top 20 Best Jazz Albums of 2010, Dedicated by Ralph Bowen #15
2009
- Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New Releases
Oct. 15, 2009 #32 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
Sept 24, 2009 #36 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
Aug 27, 2009 #21 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
Aug 20, 2009 #14 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
July 23, 2009 #24 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicated,” Posi-Tone Records
2008
- Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New Releases
Aug 7, 2008 #8 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 31, 2008 #6 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 24, 2008 #4 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 10, 2008 #1 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 26, 2008 #1 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 19, 2008 #9 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
- C. Andrew Hovan Top Cd Picks for 2008
Jazz Critic for “All About Jazz" for Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
2004
- Grammy Nomination
Papo Vaquez Mighty Pirates-Marooned Aislado 2004
- Bob Parlocha’s Top 25 New Releases
March 25, ‘04 #3 Ralph Bowen, “Keep the Change,” Criss Cross Jazz
March 11, 04 #11 Ralph Bowen, “Keep the Change,” Criss Cross Jazz
- C. Andrew Hovan Top 10
JazzHouse.org for "Keep the Change" by Ralph Bowen #3
December 9, 2004, by Chris Hovan
2003
- 15 Essential Jersey Jazz Discs
NJ.Com, September 28, 2003, "Soul Proprietor" by Ralph Bowen by Zan Stewart
Initially printed as: 15 essential Jersey Jazz Discs-Ralph Bowen "Soul Proprietor, Criss Cross" #2
JAZZIZ Magazine, November by Zan Stewart
2002
- Bob Parlocha’s Top 25 New Releases
July 24, 2002 #25 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 11, 2002 #17 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 3, 2002 #15 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 20, 2002 #17 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 13, 2002 #14 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
1995
- Inaugural Brick
Philadelphia Clef Club for the Performing Arts with George Benson & Trudy Pitts.
1994
- Canadian Juno Award Best Mainstream Album "Free Trade"
1986
- Silver Disk Award ,Japan.
Best Jazz Album: OTB - Out of the Blue
References
- ↑ Archive, Canadian Jazz. "Ralph Bowen Musician Biography - Canadian Jazz Archive Online". canadianjazzarchive.org. Retrieved 8 November 2016.
- ↑ "The State of Jazz: Meet 40 More Jersey Greats", The Star-Ledger, September 28, 2003, backed up by the Internet Archive as of September 27, 2008. Accessed September 15, 2017. "Ralph Bowen -- A tenor saxophonist and composer, Bowen lives in Piscataway and heads the jazz program at the Mason Gross School of the Arts in New Brunswick. "
Other sources
- Richard Skelly, Ralph Bowen, at AllMusic