I don’t know if he’s “the next big thing” a flash in the pan or somewhere in between. All I can tell you is that you can tell that keyboardist/composer Kris Bowers is trying. Mixing jazz and R&B, sometimes in the same tune, Bowers works with the unit of Adam Agati/g, Burniss earl Travis II/b and Jamire Williams/dr and the additional saxes of Case Benjamin/as and Kenneth Whalum III/ts-ss and some guest vocalists on songs that COULD be labeled “hip hop”, COULD be labeled “urban R&B” and could be labeled “post modern jazz.” You tell me! I like him!
Some brief and moody instrumentals such as “Forever Spring” and “First” are insterspersed between some synth funk pieces such as “Wake the Neighbors” and the broodingly melancholic “Drift” that includes thick layers of synthesized molasses. The snapping riffs of “# The Protester” and the warm and steady beat of “Vices and Virtues” both include searing sax work as well as passages that begin with small tides of shallow water pools and gentle build up into crashing waves on the shore before drawing back the foam into the deep ocean. The multi-mooded “Forget-er” includes vocals by Chris Turner, and the gentle and meditative “Ways of Light with Jose’ James’ voice is one you’ll want to ponder over for multiple listenings. Lots of enthusiasm popping into your ears-this guy’s onto something, and I hope he finds it.
Concord Music