Bowen started piano lessons at and early age, with clarinet and saxophone lessons following soon after. By the age of thirteen, he was leading his own quartet and performing in big bands in the Toronto area. As a teenager, Bowen was awarded a grant from the Canada Council for the Arts to study music with Pat LaBarbera and Phil Nimmons at the Banff School of Fine Arts. While in Toronto, he studied with LaBarbera for a total of eight years and developed a long-time association with drummer Keith Blackley and his father educator/drummer Jim Blackley. As well, he performed and recorded with Canadian fusion group Manteca.
In 1983 and 1984, he was awarded two more grants to pursue his musical studies in the Jazz Department at Indiana University, where his teacher was David Baker. In 1985, the same year he and Cecil Taylor were voted "Main Jazz Men of the Year" by Canada's Toronto Globe and Mail, Bowen won the audition for the Blue Note Records co-leader position of the contemporary all-star New York based jazz band known as Out of the Blue (OTB). He moved to New York, and would eventually record four albums for Blue Note. Thereafter, he recorded a series of albums for the Dutch label Criss Cross Jazz. Most recently, he has been recording for the USA-based label Posi-Tone Records.
Ralph Bowen, 2017 (Posi-Tone)Standard Deviation, 2014 (Posi-Tone)Total Eclipse, 2012 (Posi-Tone)Power Play, 2011 (Posi-Tone)Due Reverence, 2010 (Posi-Tone)Dedicated, 2009 (Posi-Tone)Five, 2008 (Criss Cross)Keep the Change, 2004 (Criss Cross)Soul Proprietor, 2002 (Criss Cross)A Morning View, 2001 (Ratamacue)Movin' On, 1992 (Criss Cross)Out of the BlueOut of the Blue (1985) Blue NoteInside Track (1986) Blue NoteLive in Mt Fuji (1986) Blue NoteSpiral Staircase (1989) Blue NoteOther projectsFree Trade (1994) Justin TimeLUVPARK (2004) Imani2017
Michael Dease Sextet “Tba” Posi-Tone2016
Dr. Anthony Branker and Imagine "Beauty Within" Origin RecordsJae Sinnett Quartet “Zero to 60” J-Nett RecordsAndre White & Dave Laing “Give the Drummer Some” DK Records2014
Dr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “The Forward Suite” Origin2013
Bob Devos “Shadow Box” ASMDr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “Uppity” Origin2012
Dr. Anthony Branker and Ascent “Together” OriginConrad Herwig “A Voice Through The Door” Criss crossJohn Hyde Group “Song of Seaview” Death Defying2011
Jared Gold “All Wrapped-Up” Posi-ToneCaptain Black Big Band “Captain Black Big Band” Posi-ToneDr. Anthony Branker-Word Play “Dialogic” Origin2010
Anthony Branker and Ascent “Dance Music” Origin2009
John Hyde “John Hyde Quartet” Death DefyingJim Rotondi “The Move” Criss CrossNino Josele “Espanola” WarnerDr. Anthony Branker & Ascent “Blessings” OriginKenny Davis “Kenny Davis Group” Daken2008
Earl MacDonald Big Band “re:Visions – WFJO” Death DefyingThe Brenan Brothers “The Throwdown” Death DefyingAndrew/Hutchinson Trio “Music Box”Papo Vaquez Mighty Pirates “Marooned” (GRAMMY NOMINATED) Aislado2007
Jim Trompeter Quintet “Live at the Green Mill”2006
LUVPARK “LUVPARK II” Imani2005
Brian Lynch “Con Clave” Criss CrossTony Deangelis “Everybody's Song” TAJ RecordsOrrin Evans “Easy Now” Criss Cross2004
LUVPARK “Luvpark” ImaniSciora “Sciora”Dr. Anthony Branker and Ascent “Spirit Songs” OriginMark Sweetman “Remembering J. Coltrane” Marcmuse2002
Orrin Evans “Meant to Shine” Palmetto2001
Marc Sweetman “All Paths Lead to One” MarcmuseCraig Schoedler “By the Water” Progressive2000
The Fins “Superstar” FinsSeed “Seed” HipnoticVince Dimura “Imperfect Balance” Dimura1999
Orrin Evans “Listen to the Band” Criss CrossLen Bryant “It's Now Midnight” LenRalph Peterson “Back to Stay” Sirocco1998
Orrin Evans “Captain Black” Criss CrossDawn Warren “Dawn” ImaniAna Belen “lorquiana” BMGBarry Sames “Awaiting the Spirit” IntrigueOrrin Evans “Grown Folks Business” Criss Cross1997
Marc Sweetman “Inspired” Marc MuseK-Jazz All-Stars/Amigos “Spirit Talk” K-JazzNilda Fernandez “Innu Nikamu” EMIThe Fins “Blues Print” FinsK-Jazz All-Stars “Strait Ahead” K-JazzEarl McDonald “Schroeder's Tantrum” Radioland1996
Michel Camilo “Two Much Soundtrack”VerveJohn Serry “Enchantress” TelarcEsque “Strangers No More” K-JazGeorge Johnson “Turquoise Ocean” A Records1995
Fortune/Vinson/Cruse “Crusin'” K-JazzINNOVATORS “Sam Cardon & Kurt Bestor” Treble VDidier Lockwood “New York Rendezvous” JMS (Premier recording of original composition “Gordon”)Didier Lockwood-Violin; Dave Liebman-Saxophone; Dave Kikoski-Piano; Dave Holland -Bass; Peter Erskine-Drums; Jim Beard-Producer
Charles Fambrough “Keeper of the Spirit” Audioquest1994
Free Trade “Free Trade” Justin TimeMichel Camilo “One More Once” ColumbiaVince Dimura “Black on White” Angel Tear1993
Jon Herington “Complete Rhyming Dictionary” PioneerVarious Artists “Jazz Valentine-In the Mood” Music Masters1992
Benny Carter “Harlem Renaissance” Music Masters1991
Horace Silver “Rockin' with Rachmoninov” Bop City1990
Michel Camilo “On the Other Hand” ColumbiaRenee Rosnes “Renee Rosnes” Blue NoteMichel Camilo Sextet “Jazzin TV”Manteca “Extra, Extra” Duke Street1989
OTB-Out of the Blue “Spiral Staircase” Blue Note1986
Various Artists “Blue Note '86” Blue NoteOTB-Out of the Blue “Live at Mt. Fuji” Blue NoteOTB-Out of the Blue “Inside Track” Blue Note1985
OTB-Out of the Blue “Out of the Blue” Blue NoteManteca “Strength in Numbers” Ready2017
Ralph Bowen "Ralph Bowen" Posi-ToneMichael Dease Sextet “Tba” Posi-Tone2016
Dr. Anthony Branker and Imagine "Beauty Within" Origin RecordsJae Sinnett Quartet “Zero to 60” J-Nett RecordsAndre White & Dave Laing “Give the Drummer Some” DK Records2014
Ralph Bowen "Standard Deviation" Posi-ToneDr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “The Forward Suite” Origin2013
Bob Devos “Shadow Box” ASMDr. Anthony Branker and Word Play “Uppity” Origin2012
Ralph Bowen "Total Eclipse" Posi-ToneDr. Anthony Branker and Ascent “Together” OriginConrad Herwig “A Voice Through The Door” Criss crossJohn Hyde Group “Song of Seaview” Death Defying2011
Ralph Bowen "Power Play" Posi-toneAnthony Branker & Ascent "Dance Music" OriginJared Gold "All Wrapped Up" Posi-ToneCaptain Black Big Band (Self-Titled) Posi-Tone2010
Ralph Bowen "Due Reverence" Posi-toneJohn Hyde "John Hyde Quartet"Jim Rotondi "The Move" Criss CrossNino Josele "Espanola" Warner2009
Ralph Bowen "Dedicated" Posi-toneKenny Davis Group "Kenny Davis" DakenAnthony Branker & Ascent "Blessings" Origin2008
The Brenan Brothers "The Throwdown" Death-DefyingJim Trompeter Quintet "Live at the Green Mill"Andrew/Hutchinson Trio "Music Box"Papo Vaquez Mighty Pirates "Marooned" AisladoRalph Bowen Quintet "Five" Criss Cross2006
Ralph Bowen LUVPARK II ImaniAnthony Branker & Ascent "Spirit Songs" Origin2005
Brian Lynch "Con Clave" Criss CrossTony Deangelis "Everybody's Song"2004
Horace Silver "Rockin' w/Rachmoninov Bop CityLUVPARK "Luvpark" ImaniRalph Bowen Quintet "Keep the Change" Criss CrossSciora "Sciora"2003
Mark Sweetman "Remembering John Coltrane" Marcmuse2002
Orrin Evans "Meant to Shine" PalmettoRalph Bowen "Soul Proprietor" Criss Cross2001
Ralph Bowen "A Morning View" RatamacueMarc Sweetman "All Paths Lead to One" MarcmuseBob Murphy Quartet "Free On The Inside" RoadhouseCraig Schoedler "By the Water" ProgressiveVince Dimura "Imperfect Balance" Dimura2000
The Fins "Superstar" FinsSeed "Seed" HipnoticOrrin Evans "Listen to the Band" Criss CrossLen Bryant "It's Now Midnight" Len1999
Ralph Peterson "Back to Stay" SiroccoOrrin Evans "Old Folk's Business" Criss Cross1998
Orrin Evans "Captain Black" Criss CrossDawn Warren "Dawn" ImaniMarc Sweetman "Inspired" Marc MuseK-Jazz All-Stars/Amigos "Spirit Talk" K-JazzNilda Fernandez "Innu Nikamu" EMI1997
George Johnson "Turquoise Ocean" A RecordsThe Fins "Blues Print" FinsK-Jazz All-Stars "Strait Ahead" K-JazzEarl McDonald "Schroeder's Tantrum" CBC1996
Michel Camilo "Too Much" VerveJohn Serry "Enchantress" TelarcEsque "Strangers No More" K-Jazz1995
Michel Camilo "Two Much Soundtrack" VerveFortune/Vinson/Cruse "Crusin'" K-Jazz1994
Charles Fambrough "Keeper of the Spirit" AudioquestFree Trade "Free Trade" Justin TimeMichel Camilo "One More Once" ColumbiaVince Dimura "Black on White" Angel TearBarry Sames "Awaiting the Spirit" Intrigue1993
Jon Herington "Complete Rhyming Dictionary"Pioneer Various Artists "Jazz Valentine-In the Mood" Music Masters1992
Ralph Bowen "Movin' On" Criss CrossBenny Carter "Harlem Renaissance" Music Masters1991
Horace Silver "Rockin' with Rachmoninov" Emerald1990
Michel Camilo "On the Other Hand" ColumbiaRenee Rosnes "Renee Rosnes" Blue NoteBobby Watson & Horizon "Post-Motown Bop" Blue Note1989
OTB "Spiral Staircase" Blue Note1986
Various Artists "Blue Note '86" Blue NoteOTB "Live at Mt. Fuji" Blue NoteOTB "Inside Track" Blue Note1985
OTB "Out of the Blue" Blue NoteManteca "Extra, Extra" Duke StreetManteca "Strength in Numbers" Ready2017
Ralph Bowen “Ralph Bowen” Posi-ToneCache Cache
A Rookery of Ravens
A Leap of Leopards
A Pandemonium of Parrots
A Flamboyance of Flamingos
A Venue of Vultures
A Cast of Crabs
2012
Ralph Bowen “Total Eclipse” Posi-toneTotal Eclipse”
Behind the Curtain
Into the City
The Dowsing Rod
On Green
Arrows of Light
Exosphere
Hip Check
In My Dreams
2011
Ralph Bowen “Two-Line Pass” Posi-toneK.D.s Blues
Two-Line Pass
Jessica
Bella Firenze
The Good Shepherd
A Solar Romance
Drumheller Valley
Walleye Jigging
Jared Gold "All Wrapped Up" Posi-ToneMidnight Snack
2010
Ralph Bowen “Due Reverence” Posi-toneLess Is More
This One's For Bob
Phil-osophy
Mr. Scott
Points Encountered
John Hyde Quartet “John Hyde Quartet”Cache-Cache
Jim Rotondi “The Move” Criss CrossK.D.’s Blues
2009
Ralph Bowen “Dedicated” Posi-toneCanary Drums
Qaiyam
Mr. BeBop
Prof
Pat
E.R.
2008
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Five” Criss CrossBaby Girl
First Hiatus
Free Time
Blues Cruz
Brenan Brothers “The Throw Down” Death DefyingGemini
Jim Trompeter Quintet “Live at the Green Mill”Soul Proprietor
The First Stone
2004
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Keep the Change” Criss CrossFor You
Thru Traffic
For D.E
Gordon
Keep the Change
2002
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Soul Proprietor” Criss CrossMeltdown
Spikes
Under a Cloud
The First Stone
Soul Proprietor
Orrin Evans “Meant to Shine” PalmettoElevation
2001
Ralph Bowen Quartet “A Morning View” RatamacueCountry Rhythm
A Morning View
In My Dreams
On Green
One for Trane
Four in One, Six in the Other
Oh Really?
1999
Ralph Peterson Jr. “Back to Stay” SiroccoDid You Notice
1997
K-Jazz All-Stars “Strait Ahead” K-JazzMeltdown
1996
Didiere Lockwood “New York Rendezvous” JMSGordon
1992
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Movin' On” Criss CrossConvergence
A Little Silver in My Pocket
For You
Just Reconnoitering
Altitudes
Thru Traffic
1989
OTB-Out of the Blue “Spiral Staircase” BluenoteGerri-Ann
1986
OTB_Out of the Blue “Live at Mt. Fuji” BluenoteElevation
1986
OTB-Out of the Blue “Inside Track” BluenoteElevation
Inside Track
1985
OTB-Out of the Blue “OTB-Out of the Blue” BluenoteReunited
2014
Ralph Bowen Quartet “Standard Deviation” Posi-ToneIsn't It Romantic by R. Rodgers arr. Ralph Bowen
No Moon At All by D. Mann arr. Ralph Bowen
You Don't Know What Love Is by G. de Paul arr. Ralph Bowen
Spring Is Here by R. Rodgers arr. Ralph Bowen
Dream Dancing by C. Porter arr. Ralph Bowen
By Myself by H. Martin arr. Ralph Bowen
2008
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Five” Criss CrossStep Lightly by Joe Henderson arr. Ralph Bowen
Rahsaan’s Run by Woody Shaw arr. Ralph Bowen
Drowning Man by U2 arr. Ralph Bowen
2004
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Keep the Change” Criss CrossWho Will Buy by Lionel Bart arr. Ralph Bowen
Boy for Sale by Lionel Bart arr. Ralph Bowen
In the Good Old Summertime by Evans / Shields arr. Ralph Bowen
2002
Ralph Bowen Quintet “Soul Proprietor” Criss CrossInvitation by Borislav Kaper arr. Ralph Bowen
Inner Urge by Joe Henderson arr. Ralph Bowen
Peace by Horace Silver arr. Ralph Bowen
2016
Forgotten Peoples by Dr. Anthony Branker-Arranged for Jazz Ens by Ralph Bowen
Crystal Angel by Dr. Anthony Branker-Arranged for Jazz Ens by Ralph Bowen
2006
Little Miss B Original Composition and Arrangement by Ralph Bowen; Commissioned by The Commission Project, Rochester NY and Anthony Branker-Sons of Sound Music for the Princeton University Jazz Ensemble; premiered May, 2006.
2001
NJ-IAJE Junior Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 4.
NJ-IAJE High School Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 4.
1999
NJ-IAJE Junior Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 2.
NJ-IAJE High School Jazz Saxophone Etude No. 2.
2005
Concert-Michel Camilo Big Band, Tenerife, Spain (Performer)2004
Concert-Ray Charles and the Raylets, The Rutgers NJPBS Jazz Ensemble and Orchestra, Live at War Memorial Hall (Performer)2000
Concert “Innovators” TrebleV (Performer)1996
Movie-“Two Much” Fernando Trueba, director; Julio Martinez-Lazaro, producer; Michel Camilo, music. Starring Melanie Griffith, Daryl Hanna & Antonio Banderas (Performer)1994
Concert-Michel Camilo Big Band-Live in D.R. CBS Sony (Performer)Movie-“Los Peores Anos de Nuestra” Vida Fernando Trueba, director;Julio Martinez-Lazaro, producer; Michel Camilo, music (Performer)1993
Movie “Amo Tu Cama Rica” Fernando Trueba, director;Julio Martinez-Lazaro, producer; Michel Camilo, music. Best Romantic Comedy of 1993 (Performer)1991
Documentary-“Seeds of a New City” RU-TV Tony Heriza, producer (Composer)1991
Documentary-“Community Gardening-An Urban Remedy” RU-TV Tony Heriza, producer (Composer)1989
Concert-“New Stars on Blue Note Capitol” Bluenote (Performer)1986
Concert-OTB & Art Blakey-Jazz Messengers Toshiba (Performer)1992
Master of Music Degree M.M.; Major-Classical Flute Performance: Rutgers-the State University of New Jersey, MGSA New Brunswick, NJ. Flute Studies under Dr. James S. Scott and Robert Dick.1989
Bachelor of Music Degree B.M.; Major-Jazz Saxophone Performance and Classical Flute Performance, Summa Cum Laude: Rutgers-the State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ. Saxophone studies with Bob Mintzer and flute studies with Dr. James S. Scott.1984-1986
Artist Diploma Program A.D.(incomplete); Indiana University, Bloomington, IN. Concentrations: Jazz Composition, Improvisation, Theory, and History under tutelage of David N. Baker; Classical Saxophone with Eugene Rousseau.1978
Grade 13 Secondary School Honours Graduation Diploma, Ministry of Education, Ontario, Canada.Awards and Recognition
2012
Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New ReleasesAug 16, 2012 #37 Ralph Bowen, “Total Eclipse,” Posi-Tone Records
July 26, 2012 #39 Ralph Bowen, “Total Eclipse,” Posi-Tone Records
2011
Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New ReleasesJune 9, 2011 #31 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
May 19, 2011 #38 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
May 5, 2011 #32 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
April 14, 2011 #30 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
March 24 #26 Ralph Bowen “Power Play,” Posi-Tone Records
100 Greatest Jazz Albums of the Year 2011 “Due Reverence” by Ralph Bowen #112010
Top 20 Best Jazz Albums of 2010, Dedicated by Ralph Bowen #152009
Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New ReleasesOct. 15, 2009 #32 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
Sept 24, 2009 #36 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
Aug 27, 2009 #21 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
Aug 20, 2009 #14 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicted,” Posi-Tone Records
July 23, 2009 #24 Ralph Bowen, ‘Dedicated,” Posi-Tone Records
2008
Bob Parlocha’s Top 40 New ReleasesAug 7, 2008 #8 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 31, 2008 #6 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 24, 2008 #4 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 10, 2008 #1 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 26, 2008 #1 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 19, 2008 #9 Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
C. Andrew Hovan Top Cd Picks for 2008Jazz Critic for “All About Jazz" for Ralph Bowen “Five,” Criss Cross Jazz
2004
Grammy NominationPapo Vaquez Mighty Pirates-Marooned Aislado 2004
Bob Parlocha’s Top 25 New ReleasesMarch 25, ‘04 #3 Ralph Bowen, “Keep the Change,” Criss Cross Jazz
March 11, 04 #11 Ralph Bowen, “Keep the Change,” Criss Cross Jazz
C. Andrew Hovan Top 10JazzHouse.org for "Keep the Change" by Ralph Bowen #3
December 9, 2004, by Chris Hovan
2003
15 Essential Jersey Jazz DiscsNJ.Com, September 28, 2003, "Soul Proprietor" by Ralph Bowen by Zan Stewart
Initially printed as: 15 essential Jersey Jazz Discs-Ralph Bowen "Soul Proprietor, Criss Cross" #2
JAZZIZ Magazine, November by Zan Stewart
2002
Bob Parlocha’s Top 25 New ReleasesJuly 24, 2002 #25 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 11, 2002 #17 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
July 3, 2002 #15 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 20, 2002 #17 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
June 13, 2002 #14 Ralph Bowen “Soul Proprietor,” Criss Cross Jazz
1995
Inaugural BrickPhiladelphia Clef Club for the Performing Arts with George Benson & Trudy Pitts.
1994
Canadian Juno Award Best Mainstream Album "Free Trade"1986
Silver Disk Award ,Japan.Best Jazz Album: OTB - Out of the Blue
