On Sept. 17^th, the Jazz Surge released it’s 7^th album in tandem with celebrating its 25^th anniversary.  Recorded in May of 2021 while just emerging from the isolation of Covid, “Within Us” (Summit/MAMA Records) has been greeted with wide-spread accolades:

“It kills—brimming with a vivid array of colors (including violin and dobro) and shifting dynamics. . . . .  at once challenging and eminently listenable, . . . .a seamless stream of grabby melodies and solos.”  Eric Snider, Creative Loafing

“Chuck Owen is a master in delineating rhythmically and timbrically compelling arrangements, where the orchestral dynamics leave continuous spaces for the relationship with the soloists.” Angelo Leonardi, All About Jazz, Italia

“Nothing, not even a pandemic that silenced and stupefied most artists into submission, could tamp down Owen and his ensemble’s cinematic majesty.  If you listen closely, you can hear Chuck Owen’s heart and soul.” Carol Banks Weber, Festival Peak

“If you love big bands then this is for you. If you don’t love big bands then this is even more so for you.” Lance, Be-bop Spoken Here

“The gold standard for their silver anniversary.” George Harris, Jazz Weekly

“Within Us” is a gem.”  Richard Kamins, Step Tempest

“Owen is revealed as one who well versed in both jazz and classical modes producing music of considerable finesse, rich in detail and harmonic sophistication, at turns powerfully exultant, sharp, incisive and evocatively elegiac in both the articulation of his themes and in support of the soloists. . . . . . . an heir to Ellington and Gil Evans.”   Euan Dixon, Jazz Views

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 25^th Anniversary celebration the set is slated for Sunday, Sept. 26^th 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 25^th Anniversary of the Jazz Surge, “Within Us” is to be released on Sept. 17^th 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

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.