Texas native Quamon Fowler landed in Louisiana to study (like so many others) with Alvin Batiste at Southern University. The tenor player, who many Fest goers might have caught with bassist Roland Guerin, brings great depth of emotion and technique with each encounter ad on this, his third release, Fowler reveals his varied interests and jazz passions, as well as bringing the sacred standard “Blessed Assurance” into the jazz realm.

The latter is the only non-original tune out of a dozen on The Vision. The opener, “Special Delivery,” instantly catches the listener’s interest with its sense of eager enthusiasm. Performing this heady number, the saxophonist calls in his predominantly acoustic crew with Fowler teamed with altoist Darryl Reeves and Mike Esnault on piano.

Former New Orleans resident, the solid Edwin Livingston, however, plugs in his electric bass. Calvin Veal’s congas make a great addition, adding drive to the drums of John Jones. This one soars. The same configuration of musicians also the ends the set that finds the two saxophonists trading quick bars and ending up swirling to heights as one.

While some might chalk it up to personal taste, the straight-up jazz here finds Fowler making stronger statements and displaying more of his ardor and musical personality than the smoother, laid-back tunes such as “The Light of World.” Its electronic elements and predictable rhythm patterns don’t seem to really challenge Fowler, and for a softer, mellower side, we’ll take “Blessed Assurance.”