Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge

Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge – the big band that has garnered seven Grammy nominations and been called “One of the best large jazz ensembles in the country” by the New York Music Daily while collecting rave reviews from music critics in over 30 countries – celebrate their 30th anniversary in a big way this coming September!  Hosted by the Ocala’s Reilly Arts Center, the Tampa Jazz Club (performing 2 shows in the New Tampa Performing Arts Center), and Pilar’s Jazz Club in Winter Garden (just outside of Orlando) – the band embarks on their first Central Florida tour in over 3 and a half years.  Immediately following they head straight into the studio to record their 8th album!

Given this momentous occasion, Chuck is pulling out all the stops!  In addition to the star-studded band personnel debuting a bevy of new compositions & arrangements, he has invited a array of very special guests to join in the fun, including jazz trumpet legend, Randy Brecker, NEA Jazz Master and 3-time Grammy winning drummer, Terri Lyne Carrington, vibraphonist extraordinaire, Warren Wolf, the evocative Grammy-nominated vocalist, Kate McGarry, and local fan-favorite Alison Nash.  Randy will be the featured guest for Friday, Sept. 25th’s performance.  Terri Lyne and Warren join the band on Sat., Sept 26th.  (Kate & Alison perform in both shows.)

Although the band is “Florida-based”, the 19-piece all-star ensemble draws more than a third of its musicians from across the country.  New York Violinist Sara Caswell (fresh off major recordings with David Byrne, Brian Blade’s Fellowship, & Chris Potter) continues to play a prominent role in Chuck’s unique musical vision which, while steeped in the jazz tradition, is richly influenced by American folk, roots, rock – even contemporary classical music.