RALPH ROSEN
''SO TAKEN''
OCTOBER 13 2004
72:30
1. Waltz Ralph /7:06
2. Heart /7:40
3. Guinevere /5:17
4. Guardian /10:03
5. Aftermath /7:41
6. Blues for Terry /6:07
7. So Taken /9:19
8. Double Blues /6:10
9. Doina for Brother Jim /7:51
10. The Journey /5:16
REVIEW
Drummer and composer Ralph Rosen's mature debut release features nine original jazz compositions and one cover tune- a complete re-interpretation of David Crosby's "Guinnevere".
The cd features several combinations of small groups consisting of the cream of Boston jazz players.
Rosen utilizes his drums in various ways-improvising on both traditional and free forms as well as using the drums as an intro to a piece.
The pieces themselves are the real focus of this project with brilliant interpretations by Rosen and his eleven musicians. Pianist Bruce Katz, better known as one his generation's finest blues exponents, shines in the opener "Waltz Ralph" and the klezmer-influenced "Doina for Brother Jim". Saxophonists Garzone and Pierce show their masterful yet contrasting approaches to the music as well as trumpeters Ken Cervenka and Greg Hopkins.
Rosen even "writes himself out" of two pieces- "Guardian", a duet for Alan Chase on alto saxophone and Joe Mulholland, piano, and "The Journey", a piece for solo piano beautifully played by Mulholland.
Ralph Rosen displays a stunning variety and depth of composition rarely acheived in an initial outing.
BIO
Ralph Rosen is an exciting, eclectic, and energetic musician. Full of vitality and full-range creativity, his music offers something for everyone. Ralph is a composer's composer, and plays Drums, Mixed Percussion, and Harmonica in Blues, Jazz, and Experimental styles.
Appealing to the average listener and the most discriminating afficionado alike.
***
Performer, teacher, composer and arranger Ralph Rosen began playing drums in 1964 in rock and soul bands in and around Hartford, CT. He earned a degree in Music Education from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Performance from Boston University in 1978.
Since then, he has performed widely with prominent blues artists - from the legendary Bo Diddley, Albert King, Al Kooper, Jimmy Vivino and Joe Beard to regional notables Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Michelle Willson and Stovall Brown. His lengthy jazz career includes performances with Bud Johnson, Norris Tunney, Billy Mitchell, Hale Smith, Gray Sargent, Wayne Krantz, George Garzone, Bill Frisell, Billy Pierce, Dave McKenna, David "Fathead" Newman, Rebecca Paris and John Medeski.
He now performs internationally with the Bruce Katz Band with whom he has recorded 3 CDs. He also composes and arranges his own work, performed by ensembles in the Boston metro area, and has recorded and produced a CD, So Taken. His second CD, No Secrets has just been released and is garnering wonderful reviews! As one jazz critic describes it, Rosen's work is "expansive and architectonic" and "a soul-scrubbing, hallowing experience."
DoWnLoAd
''SO TAKEN''
OCTOBER 13 2004
72:30
1. Waltz Ralph /7:06
2. Heart /7:40
3. Guinevere /5:17
4. Guardian /10:03
5. Aftermath /7:41
6. Blues for Terry /6:07
7. So Taken /9:19
8. Double Blues /6:10
9. Doina for Brother Jim /7:51
10. The Journey /5:16
REVIEW
Drummer and composer Ralph Rosen's mature debut release features nine original jazz compositions and one cover tune- a complete re-interpretation of David Crosby's "Guinnevere".
The cd features several combinations of small groups consisting of the cream of Boston jazz players.
Rosen utilizes his drums in various ways-improvising on both traditional and free forms as well as using the drums as an intro to a piece.
The pieces themselves are the real focus of this project with brilliant interpretations by Rosen and his eleven musicians. Pianist Bruce Katz, better known as one his generation's finest blues exponents, shines in the opener "Waltz Ralph" and the klezmer-influenced "Doina for Brother Jim". Saxophonists Garzone and Pierce show their masterful yet contrasting approaches to the music as well as trumpeters Ken Cervenka and Greg Hopkins.
Rosen even "writes himself out" of two pieces- "Guardian", a duet for Alan Chase on alto saxophone and Joe Mulholland, piano, and "The Journey", a piece for solo piano beautifully played by Mulholland.
Ralph Rosen displays a stunning variety and depth of composition rarely acheived in an initial outing.
BIO
Ralph Rosen is an exciting, eclectic, and energetic musician. Full of vitality and full-range creativity, his music offers something for everyone. Ralph is a composer's composer, and plays Drums, Mixed Percussion, and Harmonica in Blues, Jazz, and Experimental styles.
Appealing to the average listener and the most discriminating afficionado alike.
***
Performer, teacher, composer and arranger Ralph Rosen began playing drums in 1964 in rock and soul bands in and around Hartford, CT. He earned a degree in Music Education from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Performance from Boston University in 1978.
Since then, he has performed widely with prominent blues artists - from the legendary Bo Diddley, Albert King, Al Kooper, Jimmy Vivino and Joe Beard to regional notables Ronnie Earl, Duke Robillard, Michelle Willson and Stovall Brown. His lengthy jazz career includes performances with Bud Johnson, Norris Tunney, Billy Mitchell, Hale Smith, Gray Sargent, Wayne Krantz, George Garzone, Bill Frisell, Billy Pierce, Dave McKenna, David "Fathead" Newman, Rebecca Paris and John Medeski.
He now performs internationally with the Bruce Katz Band with whom he has recorded 3 CDs. He also composes and arranges his own work, performed by ensembles in the Boston metro area, and has recorded and produced a CD, So Taken. His second CD, No Secrets has just been released and is garnering wonderful reviews! As one jazz critic describes it, Rosen's work is "expansive and architectonic" and "a soul-scrubbing, hallowing experience."
DoWnLoAd
