Tim Bowman Jr. – Beautiful

Tim Bowman Jr.

Beautiful

Trippin ‘N’ Rhythm Records (2012)

By Bob Marovich for The BlackGospel Blog.

A member of the Royal Family (Winans) in the city of musical innovation (Detroit) and with a professional musician for a father (smooth jazz guitarist Tim Bowman), it was written in the stars that Tim Bowman Jr. would not only go into music, but also step out on his own.

When TBGB spoke with Bowman last May, he was doing just that: finishing his solo debut, Beautiful, produced by his father.  Released in April, the album is what Bowman said it would be: a blend of urban R&B with traditional licks tossed in here and there, and vice versa.

On Beautiful, Bowman explores many musical styles—from urban R&B to acoustic to contemporary and traditional gospel to rock—but the eclectic mixture blends nicely and never causes aural whiplash.  “Throw it Away” and “Free,” for example, crackle with Detroit-fueled techno energy, while the title track and “Healer” have a gentle, acoustic feel.  The piano-driven “Healer” comes close to pop or CCM.  The throbbing “Promise” and “I’ll Try” evince a rock influence.

The best two tracks on Beautiful are Bowman duets: “Sunday Morning” with Dorinda Clark-Cole, and “He Will” with (Aunt) Vickie Winans.  Not only do the ladies bring their A games to their respective selections, but both songs have a contemporary gospel flavor that hearkens back to the Winans’ and Clark Sisters’ golden eras.  “Sunday Morning” in particular possesses stylish lyrics about replenishing the soul and finding “the joy that I need” on Sunday morning.

Beautiful ends 180 degrees from its beginning, with the “Abide With Me Medley.”  Here there is no Detroit techno energy, just Bowman singing flatfooted gospel packed with Smokie Norful-style curlicues.  Amen!

Picks: “Sunday Morning,” “He Will.”