The New England Jazz Ensemble mixes the music of Prokofiev with that of its members on this exciting and fresh album. Ex-road crew worker cum jazz vocalist Giacomo Gates provides the hip narrative to the classic “Peter and the Wolf” with trumpeter Jeff Holmes providing the editing and various animal effects. The result is a swinging and up to date rendition that will satisfy boppers both young and old. Another melody by the master is adapted by reedist/arranger John Mastrioianni, creating a driving “Power Serge” (get the play on words?) that has arranger on a hip alto sax solo along with Mike Leventhal’s tenor. Jeff Holmes’ “Wolves” is a quirky ditty including accordion to Holmse’s own trumpet while Holmes does a read of Prokofiev on a lovely “Serge’s Birds” which has some rich flute and piccolo trumpet by the two arrangers. So good, I’m already anticipating Swan Lake!