Since the end of the big band era, it has been extremely difficult to keep larger ensembles together for any period of time, but
Chuck Owen & the Jazz Serge have done so, with the added handicap of being based in South Florida, far from the New York jazz scene. One thing apparent immediately is that
Owen (a longtime music professor at the University of South Florida) composes music that obviously delights the members of his ensemble. The energy and imagination within "E Ticket" compares to the works of
Bob Brookmeyer,
Jim McNeely, or
Toshiko Akiyoshi. This multi-faceted work showcases the brilliant Canadian trumpeter
Ingrid Jensen, violinist
Rob Thomas (who brings to mind violinist
Jean-Luc Ponty in his pre-fusion period), and tenor saxophonist
Jack Wilkins. "Duets" is a compelling piece, alternating between a somber theme and improvisations by
Thomas, guitarist
LaRue Nickelson, and alto saxophonist
Valerie Gillespie. A two-part suite, "Red Beans and Ricely Yours" evolved from the leader's deconstruction of several works performed by
Louis Armstrong. The one standard of the date is a moving interpretation of "My Foolish Heart," with a colorful blend of backgrounds by the reeds and brass behind
Wilkins' solo. This CD is warmly recommended to fans of big bands with a decidedly modern twist.