(Post-Bop, Hard Bop, Soul Jazz, Hammond) [WEB] Ken Fowser (Joe Magnarelli, Steve Davis, Ed Cherry, Brian Charette, Willie Jones III) - Right On Time - 2019, FLAC (tracks), lossless

By Ed Enright | Published February 2019
Having released multiple leader dates for Posi-Tone featuring a classic jazz quintet lineup of saxophone, trumpet, piano, bass and drums, Ken Fowser has recorded an organ-jazz album at the suggestion of producer and label head Marc Free.
Joining the New York-based tenor saxophonist on Right On Time are organist Brian Charette, guitarist Ed Cherry and drummer Willie Jones III, with guest horn players Steve Davis (trombone) and Joe Magnarelli (trumpet) appearing on several tracks. The change of context required a fresh approach from Fowser, who composed all 10 tracks here, many of them built upon a blues groove aesthetic reminiscent of old Lou Donaldson records. Fowser’s writing and playing are appropriately straightahead; his melodies come at you directly, and his tenor tone is clean and unaffected, with slightly dark shadings. His all-star sidemen devour the material, whether swinging their way through blues-based numbers like “Stand Clear Of The Closing Doors” and “Keep Doing What You’re Doing” or turning up the heat on more harmonically advanced compositions, like “Duck And Cover” and “Knights Of The Round.” Killer solos abound, as everyone on board makes a substantial contribution to the collective exuberance. Cherry shares the melody line with Fowser on the quiet waltz “A Poem For Elaine,” which elicits gentle, yet exquisite, statements from the guitarist and saxophonist, not to mention an especially sweet solo spot from Charette.
Right On Time is a great idea that clearly sparked a creative fire in Fowser and resonated with his chosen bandmates. Critical ears and casual listeners will relish the results downbeat.com
This might be the first time we've ever heard tenorist Ken Fower with a Hammond organ in the mix – and it makes for a great change that really opens up the colors in his horn! Ken's always had a strong sense of tone, and we love his acoustic records – but this time around, Brian Charette handles the Hammond with a very groovy vibe – one that takes Ken back into 60s soul jazz territory, yet without any copycat cliche modes at all – kind of a sweet blend of Fowser's strong sense of writing and rhythm, just given a nice kick by the organ, which also handles the basslines too. The rest of the group is great as well – with Joe Magnarelli on trumpet, Steve Davis on trombone, Ed Cherry on guitar, and Willie Jones III on some nicely snapping drums. Titles include "No Filter", "On My Way", "Stand Clear Of The Closing Doors", "Samba For Joe Bim", "Knights Of The Round", "Fowser Time", and "Don't Let Life Pass You By". © 1996-2019, Dusty Groove, Inc.

Ken Fowser - tenor sax
Joe Magnarelli - trumpet
Steve Davis - trombone
Ed Cherry - guitar
Brian Charette - organ
Willie Jones III - drums