Bob Bowman is a Kansas City institution. Although he now lives in Montana, the venerable bassist was a cornerstone of the area’s jazz scene for decades. Bowman’s playing has always been tasteful but never boring, perpetually swinging yet admirably unpredictable.
Bowman’s impeccable contribution is the heart and soul of Tomorrow is Not Promised, a new recording he oversees with pianist Josh Nelson. Drummer Steve Haughton, guitarist Larry Koonse and saxophonist Bob Sheppard round out the session.
As with most projects involving Bowman, the album is a graceful demonstration of mainstream jazz. “Sometime Ago” is among the tracks featuring lively interplay between Bowman and Nelson. “Blues for Albert E.” boasts a particularly engaging riff on an album filled with sprightly melodies.
The Los Angeles based Nelson displays the deft touch heard in his Kansas City appearances with musicians including Sara Gazarek. Haughton, Sheppard and Moonse sound similarly becoming. Yet without attempting to draw attention to himself, the unassuming Bowman steals the show.