Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Chris Bowden - Unlikely Being (UK VIBE RECORDS February 28, 2018)


Formed in late 2017, Unlikely Being is the uber-exciting new project led by saxophonist/composer/arranger Chris Bowden. This stand-out quartet features Jim Watson on piano and keys, Chris Dodd on bass and Neil Bullock on drums. Trumpet player Bryan Corbett adds a 5th dimension on the band’s inaugural release. Bowden takes the listener on an innovative roller-coaster ride of a journey depicting his eventful life experiences through his music. 

‘Unlikely Being’ draws on Bowden’s multi-faceted material from the cult, classic albums “Time Capsule” (Soul Jazz Records) and “Slightly Askew” (Ninja Tune), along with music from the infamous (yet unreleased) “The Incredible Death of Cash Bodean”. Hints of Bowden’s work with “The Herbaliser”, “4Hero” and “The Heritage Orchestra” are evident throughout, yet it is a timeless, optimistic, jazz-fuelled quality in the saxophonist’s new compositions that really sing out loud.