River Runs deep, free-flowing into cross-currents, but always moving forward towards its destination, which is an ocean of melody, sound, and soul. This was my first impression of this epic orchestral work by Chuck Owen: serious music, composed by a man who has immersed himself in composition and orchestration for a lifetime. This is his masterpiece; it s like all of his preceding works were streams leading into this larger body of water, drenched with his life s emotions and experiences. --Randy Brecker
The explosive Chuck Owen & The Jazz Surge serves up an orchestrated work of art, taking the listener on a musical journey from tranquil to explosive ... EPIC! Chuck Owen is Distinguished University Professor of Jazz Studies at the University of South Florida, where he also serves as founding and Artistic Director of the USF Center for Jazz Composition. A committed, passionate, and nationally respected educator for over 25 years, he is recognized just as readily for his unique compositional voice and creative, colorful approach to arranging/orchestration. While steeped thoroughly in the jazz tradition, Owen does not hesitate to draw from a diverse array of additional influences ranging from contemporary classical and American folk/blues to Latin styles, funk/ hip-hop, and even country. The result is an evocative, thoughtful, and frequently playful body of work. Recently honored as a 2009 Guggenheim Fellow, which lead to the creation of Owen s first large-scale work for orchestra, there is clearly much more on the horizon for this artist whose stature continues to rise!
