Having co-led three sessions with vibraphonist Behn Gillece on Posi-Tone Records, saxophonist and composer Ken Fowser is a staple of the imprint. However, he’s just now releasing his first album for Posi-Tone under his name alone. The aptly titled Standing Tall proves an auspicious debut, as Fowser displays his lush and heady tenor sound on a set of bluesy original compositions. Leading a like-minded quintet, the New York-based saxophonist evinces the classic hard-bop era, finding simpatico tones and phrases in frontline partner Josh Bruneau’s trumpet and Rick Germanson’s piano. Bassist Paul Gill and drummer Jason Tiemann provide sensitivity and propulsion in equal measures, and the ensemble should hit the sweet spot for fans of Blue Note’s golden age. In fact, “Head Start,” included here, opens the album with a riff-rich tune that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on an Art Blakey and the Jazz Messenger’s album. Fowser, Bruneau and Germanson take turns on soulful solos, while Tiemann’s stick work drives the team.
JAZZIZ Magazine
