RALPH BOWEN

Saxophonist Ralph Bowen made his mark on the New York jazz scene in the mid-1980s recording four records for Bluenote as co-leader of OTB-Out of the Blue. He then began touring and recording with pianists Horace Silver (3 yrs)and Michel Camilo(16 yrs). In the 1990s, Bowen performed and recorded with Renee Rosnes, Hank Jones, Orrin Evans, Jim Beard, Shirley Scott, Benny Carter,and Trudy Pitts. He also began associations with bassist Charles Fambrough and pianist Orrin Evans, recording numerous CDs together in a variety of settings. With Evans, Bowen has recorded numerous cds for the Criss Cross label. Free Trade, an all-Canadian co-led quintet, recorded a self-titled CD and toured Canada in 1994. The CD won the Canadian Juno award for best mainstream jazz album. In the late 1990s, Bowen joined the Ralph Peterson Jr. Fo'tet, recording the recently released CD Back to Stay, featuring Michael Brecker. Bowen is also a co-leader of LUPARK, a Philly based jazz/funk/hip-hop/soul ... band along with Orrin Evans, Donald Edwards, and JD Walter. Bowen's fourth solo cd on the Criss Cross label entitled "Keep the Change" features Ryan Kisor, Gregory Hucthinson, Rueben Rogers, and Orrin Evans. His latest recording featuring Sam Yahel, Dana Hall, John Swana, and Peter Bernstien entitled "Five" is due for release May 20, '08 on the Criss Cross Label.**EQUIPMENT: TENOR: Selmer Paris Tenor Saxophone, Reference 36 Flamingo; Selmer Paris MK VI Circa 230K; Vandoren T25 and T55 Tenor Saxophone Mouthpieces, Vandoren Masters Ligature, Vandoren Java 4 reeds. ALTO: Selmer Paris Alto Saxophone, Reference 54 "Kookaburra";Vandoren V5 A45 and V16 8S Alto Saxophone Mouthpieces; Vandoren Optimum Ligature; Vandoren Java 3 reeds. SOPRANO: Selmer Paris Soprano Saxophone; Vandoren S25 Soprano Saxophone Mouthpiece; Vandoren Optimum Ligature; Vandoren Blue Box 3 reeds.