ROOTS – Tales of the Urban Yoda (Self-Released)
The Joe Bowden Project
Released October 22, 2020
JAZZ FM 25 Best Jazz Albums of 2020
YouTube:
https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_m2X-z3DvakHVfCGsfGlGDpSSC1SDq_K7Q
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/album/3zn9iEmmd3X5WBZmHRF8vd?si=ut_6znryRWWU6jm4oYyL1Q&dl_branch=1
About:
Do you like a little Funk with your Jazz? Then Joe Bowden’s new album, ROOTS – Tales of the Urban Yoda, will not disappoint. This veteran of the Toronto music scene has assembled an elite team of Canada’s finest Jazz and R&B musicians to bring his newest compositions to life.
Doodlin’, one of two trio tracks on this nine-song album, features the talented keyboardist Robi Botos, navigating through a funky melody that dances effortlessly from 4/4 to 5/4. The track ends with a drum solo that exhibits Bowden’s proficiency as a drummer.
The Golden Rule is a high energy track with a hypnotic bassline running throughout. It begins with an open drum solo and features a great alto sax solo by the Cuban born phenom Luis Deniz.
This album is full of gems: the more you listen, the more you’ll discover. Bowden’s musical roots are on full display, with his deep love of The Crusaders, Chaka Khan, Herbie Hancock, and James Brown very apparent throughout. Bowden’s deep experience playing with the likes of Salome Bey, Dave Young, and Maestro Fresh Wes shines through this offering as his intricate, funky grooves and melodic solos drive the compositions forward.
Track Listing:
1. Doodlin’ 03:49
2. Groovin’ High 05:39
3. Sentimental 04:55
4. Second Skin 04:34
5. The Golden Rule 08:20
6. Jazz Dayz 04:12
7. The Seventies 06:56
8. All for You 06:13
9. Bustin’ Loose 06:43
Personnel:
Joe Bowden: drums & keyboards
Luis Deniz: alto saxophone
Gordon Hyland: tenor saxophone
Andrew McAnsh: trumpet
Robi Botos: keyboards
Michael Shand: keyboards
Andrew Stewart: bass
Rich Brown: bass (3)
Calvin Beale: bass (6)
Review:
It was one of Joe Bowden’s students at Humber College who dubbed him the “Urban Yoda” because of his wisdom and sense of peace. On his latest recording, he also brings a sense of funk. The nine original compositions all find deep grooves for the other musicians: Robi Botos, Luis Deniz and Andrew McAnsh, to name a few. Here, Bowden is looking back on the musicians that inspired that groove — including the Crusaders, James Brown and Chaka Chan — and with that, he has added his own imprint on what jazz and funk can feel like when put together in a perfect mix.
Brad Barker (JAZZ.FM91)
