Ralph Bowen

Saxophonist Ralph Bowen has made his mark on the New York jazz scene for over three decades, while bringing his “casual perfectionism” to clubs, concert halls, and festivals worldwide. Bowen's discography of over 70 titles includes associations with Orrin Evans, Michel Camilo, Horace Silver, Renee Rosnes, Kenny Garrett, Steve Wilson, Kenny Davis, Michael Mossman, Ralph Peterson Jr., Anthony Branker, and Jared Gold.

His seven solo CDs (Movin' On, A Morning View, Soul Proprietor, Keep the Change, Five, Dedicated, Due Reverence, and Power Play) feature a wide variety of top shelf musicians including trumpeters John Swana and Ryan Kisor; pianists Jim Beard and Orrin Evans; Organist Sam Yahel; guitarists Peter Bernstien, Jon Herington, and Adam Rogers; bassists John Patitucci, Anthony Jackson, Charles Fambrough, Reuben Rogers, and Kenny Davis; and drummers Ben Perowski, Bill Stewart, Brian Blade, Antonio Sanchez, Gregory Hutchinson, Donald Edwards, and Dana Hall.

Gear

Ralph Bowen plays Henri Selmer Paris saxophones; Vandoren reeds, mouthpieces, and ligatures; and Avanti Flutes by Conn-Selmer exclusively.

Album Reviews

Standard Deviation by Glenn Astarita

Interviews

Ralph Bowen: The Power Play

Album Reviews

Power Play by Bruce Lindsay
Power Play by Mark Corroto
Power Play by Dan Bilawsky
Due Reverence by John Patten
Due Reverence by Woodrow Wilkins
Due Reverence by Raul d'Gama Rose
Due Reverence by Mark F. Turner
Dedicated by Woodrow Wilkins
Dedicated by Glenn Astarita

Extended Analysis

Ralph Bowen: Dedicated

Album Reviews

Soul Proprietor by C. Andrew Hovan

”Power Play, with its mixture of driving, thought-provoking material and gentler journeys, demonstrates that power manifests itself in different ways, and remains ever-present within the work of saxophonist Ralph Bowen.” —Dan Bilawsky, All About Jazz

”Ralph Bowen is an assured saxophonist and versatile composer who clearly enjoys spontaneous conversation with his mates. In short, Power Play is an unpretentious delight.” —Carlo Wolff, Jazz Times Magazine

”Saxophonist Ralph Bowen's Power Play is a solid and straightahead album that juxtaposes fearless up-tempo playing with pensive introspection