ISJAC (International Society of Jazz Arrangers & Composers) will, once again, host a gathering of the world’s finest jazz composers – this year in Austin, TX!  And what an event it’s going to be!!  Featured guest artists include:

  • Terri Lyne Carrington
  • John Clayton
  • Miho Hazama
  • Jim McNeely
  • Miguel Zenon

But the list of other accomplished composers (numbering well over 75) that will ALSO be presenting their music or scholarship is simply astounding!

Anyone may attend!!  You don’t have to be a composer or even a current member of ISJAC (although you’ll find its cheaper to register if you join first).  And remember, ISJAC only hosts this every OTHER year.  So, if you miss this one, you’ll have to listen to others remind you how incredible it was until June of 2024 when we take the conference to Montreal.  For more info or to register visit:  https://isjac.org/symposium-main


Delighted to announce that the Jazz Surge will be returning to New York for the first time in over 10 years; making their debut at the world-renown Birdland Jazz Club.  Combination CD Release party as well as 25th Anniversary celebration the set is slated for Sunday, Sept. 26th at 5:00 PM.  Tickets are available via:  https://birdlandjazz.com/calendar/list/?tribe-bar-search=Chuck+Owen   Pretty great way to catch the Surge. . . . . and hear much of the new album project live.  Join us!!!!


Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the Jazz Surge, “Within Us” is to be released on Sept. 17th 2021!!  Maybe it was just the opportunity to finally come together in the studio after the 15-month isolation of Covid; but, boy, does this project feel special!!   Almost everyone that contributed to 2017’s “Whispers on the Wind” (nominated for 4 Grammys!) is back.  But this year we’re also joined by the wonderful saxophonist, Steve Wilson, as well as Warren Wolf on vibes!!

Pre-order now!!

 

Support the Surge by taking advantage of several pre-release specials including CDs, Digital Downloads, Charts, Scores . . . and, new this year . . . . .

You’re Invited!! – “Within Us” Online Meet & Greets

Tues., Aug. 31st  7:30-9:00 PM (EST) – CD Release Celebration!BYOC (Champagne!) and Join Chuck and other Surge members in an online celebration of the Surge’s 25th Anniversary and the release of “Within Us”, including:

  • A preview of cuts from the CD along with Chuck’s reflections on their inspiration
  • Behind the scenes glimpses of the recording and compositional process
  • Reminiscences of highlights (and lowlights!) of Surge’s 25 years.
  • Video -clips including a few “bloopers”
  • Q&A with attendees.
  • Comes with Digital Download

Register Now!

Thurs., Sept 9th   8:00 – 10:00 PM (EST) – Thoughts on ComposingWant to get deep in the weeds!!  Well, this one’s for you!  Focusing on two of the works from “Within Us”, Chuck will lead a discussion on his compositional process as well as specific writing techniques utilized.  The session will include time for Q&A and comes with a Digital Download of “Within Us” as well as PDF Scores to American Noir & Trail of the Ancients.

Register Now!

 

 


I had an absolutely wonderful week in Cologne recording new charts for an upcoming album with the great WDR big band. What an honor and treat working alongside these fabulous musicians!  Just emerging from the isolation of Covid (Germany was still pretty shut down), it was a joyous affirmation of the power of live music-making.  Likely release date for the album will be spring of 2022; but I’m pleased to be able to share a little preview video of one cut “And Your Point Is. . . . ?” in the Featured Videos column.


Simon Lasky, a wonderful composer/pianist in his own right, has launched (in tandem with WUSF-FM) a series of fascinating “At Home With” online interviews with jazz artists. I was delighted to be ask to participate and had a lot of fun chatting with Simon about the composition process, influences, and upcoming projects.  If you’re interested in checking it out, click here.