Criss Cross boss, producer Gerry Teekens really goes back to the label's roots with this no-nonsense, contemporary hard bop date. Owens, 28, out of Florida, can currently be seen with various Nicholas Payton and Christian McBride groups (including his big band), while also working with singer Kurt Elling. Payton, as unpredictable as ever, plays thoughtfully on five cuts. As for McBride, he really is at his very best on this album. His deep-noted bass lines swing effortlessly throughout and his several solos are all of interest. In many ways, he's the logical successor to the late Ray Brown. Jaleel Shaw, from Roy Haynes' Fountain of Youth Band is fast achieving a unique strong sound and his phrasing is excellent throughout, thoroughly steeped in the blues. Lee Morgan's sprightly 12-bar ‘Party Time’ is a perfect example. Of the two lesser-known sidemen, Michael Dease, a Southerner, is one of the most agile and thoughtful trombonists to come along in ages, occasionally reminding me of Frank Rosolino and he also contributes two arrangements – his own composition, the interesting opening sextet track (‘Good and Terrible’) and a warm, soulful score of Dizzy Gillespie's best-ever tune, ‘Con Alma’. Christian Sands, the pianist, is only 22. He has a formidable technique and has obviously studied the music's history. Yet another one to watch. The CD closes with three trio tracks. Owens' work throughout a consistently classy enjoyable debut album, is everything he wanted it to be. He swings non-stop and always in the best possible taste.