Ulysses Owens, Jr. and Generation Y: Around the World with U

Drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr. has a keen eye and ear for talent, which is obvious from the first notes of Around the World with U, his second recording as leader of the Art Blakey-style quintet, Generation Y. When marshaling the ensemble, Owens chose his teammates with care, and they repay his confidence by producing a splendid album that pleases from start to finish.

If the aspirants had to pass an exam before the hire, there could be no better one than Dizzy Gillespie's warp-speed "Bebop," which they ace here with flying colors, even affixing the melody to his "Confirmation" at the far end. That is the first of three up-tempo flag-wavers; the others are Donald Brown's "New York" and Cedar Walton's "I'm Not So Sure." Ballads pose no problem either, as alto saxophonist Erena Terakubo proves on her mellow showpiece, "The Light That Grew Amongst Us."

Terakubo shares the front line with trumpeter Anthony Hervey, whose nimble ad libs are invariably sharp and persuasive. Hervey has Hoagy Carmichael's classic "Stardust" to himself, and makes the most of every memorable phrase. Pianist Tyler Bullock is a stalwart presence, whether comping or soloing, as is bassist Yasushi Nakamura, while Owens keeps the smorgasbord intact with his strong and dependable timekeeping. Owens takes one lengthy and assertive solo, on "Bebop."

Bullock wrote the album's opening number, the lyrical and light-hearted "Prodigal Son," which leads to "Bebop," the delightfully flavored "Espresso" and Nakamura's reverential "Morning Prayer." Branford Marsalis composed the shuffling "Mo' Betta Blues," Terakubo the strutting "Little Girl Power," enhanced by her powerful solo voice and that of the quintet's special guest, trombonist Nanami Haruta, who returns on the album's penultimate number, the luminous and easy-walking "Road Life."

Even with no more than two albums under its collective belt, Generation Y is becoming ever more poised and confident as it seeks to add new and exciting chapters to the storied legacy of the peerless Jazz Messengers. If he were able, Blakey would surely be applauding their aim and ambition.