Artist: Robert Fowler

Date of Release: 01/10/2004

Catalogue no: DDRCD002

Label: Diving Duck Records

Price: £9

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Track Listing

Appearances by

James Pearson

Robert Fowler has a broad, mellow tenor sound that is reminiscent of the great saxophonists of the 1940s and 50s, and a swinging vibrancy to compete with the best. The 12 great tunes on this album range from a very funky version of Wes Montgomery's "Up And At It"

through the beautifully tender Come Rain Or Come Shine, and Polkadots and Moonbeams, and serious swingers "Falling In Love With Love" and "You Say You Care". There are fantastic solos from all the members of the band, each with a chance to shine and show off the tight and communicative ensemble throughout.

Musicians: Robert Fowler - Tenor Sax/Clarinet
Alistair White - trombone
Andrew Kuc - guitar
James Pearson - piano
Jeremy Brown - bass
Matt Skelton - drums

Reviews

01/09/0006 Peter Vacher, Jazz UK

Fowler is a personable voice on tenor and clarinet, and a busy presence on the mainstream scene. His relaxed flourishes on 'Groove Yard' (over Jeremy Brown's fluent bassline) recall Scott Hamilton, and guitarist Andrew Kuc and the admirable James Pearson show clever touches on the same track. Mulligan's 'The Red Door' is nippier, with Fowler typically solid, ahead of more fine piano from Pearson. On 'C'est What', trombonist Alistair White is added, raising everyone's game. The title track is a slippery original for Fowler's unhurried clarinet, with Brown and Kuc again prominent. No barriers are breached, but this is rewarding music, full of bright moments. And, on this evidence, Alistair White may be this country's next important trombone voice.

Peter Vacher, Jazz UK, September/October 2006 issue

19/12/0004 Dave Gelly, The Observer

In a career that has included employers as diverse as Brian Ferry and the Pasadena Roof Orchestra, this is Robert Fowler's debut CD under his own name. The first thing anyone notices about his tenor saxophone playing is the tone. It's broad, warm and juicy, a perfect fit for his calm, measured phrasing. The thing that sorts out a really good soloist from the superficially impressive is the handling of a slow ballad, and Fowler's version of 'Polka Dots and Moonbeams' is absolutely faultless. The whole thing is a delight.

Dave Gelly, The Observer, 19th December 2004