Ralph Bowen is a fine tenor saxophonist influenced by
John Coltrane,
Wayne Shorter, and particularly
Michael Brecker. This is a rather unusual album for Criss Cross in that the music is post-bop and contemporary-sounding rather than modern hard bop. Unfortunately
Bowen is not as strong a composer as he is a saxophonist and the music overall is rather dull. There are some decent solos along the way, but none of the songs are at all memorable (the closing "Thru Traffic" is the definite highlight and one of the few to create sparks) and there is no reason to acquire this set when there are many more rewarding recordings currently available. All of these musicians are capable of creating more essential music. ~ Scott Yanow