Review: Saxophonist Chris Bowden at Lichfield's Cathedral Hotel
Saxophonist Chris Bowden has long been an important figure on the jazz scene in his native West Midlands and in outstanding bands around the UK.
He’s an exciting player, and very versatile - as at home in soulful compositions and wild uptempo pieces - and he always presents his music with great humour.
Chris has recorded many times, most recently with his project The Hypnos Files, featuring singer Louise Warren and drummer Neil Bullock.
For the relaunch of its series of concerts at the Cathedral Hotel - after a break of many months - the organisation Lichfield Jazz paired the saxophonist with its new House Band: Tom Morgan on guitar, Nick Dewhurst on guitar and trumpet, and Tom Marsh on double bass.
The result was a really delightful evening of standard jazz tunes and show songs, starting with Song For My Father by the great American pianist Horace Silver, and including a lovely version of the ballad Body and Soul (with fine flugelhorn playing by Dewhurst), and the spirited calypso St Thomas by saxophonist Sony Rollins.
Chris revived the old swing style for the classic tune After You’ve Gone, with a stupendous torrent of notes from his alto, and rhythmically slapped strings from bassist Marsh.
The beautiful bossa nova composition Falling Grace, by American bass guitarist Steve Swallow, was played with great poise, and Dewhurst and Morgan met the challenge of its unusual chordal structure splendidly.
The relaunch of the Cathedral Hotel jazz series happily drew a substantial and enthusiastic crowd, and monthly events are scheduled.
