Simon Lasky, a London-based jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader, wasn’t familiar with the composer and arranger, Chuck Owen, until he was visiting the U.S. a few years ago.
Chuck was speaking and performing at a symposium for jazz composers at the University of South Florida, and at first glance, Lasky wasn’t impressed. He knew Chuck was a multiple Grammy nominee and considered a very big deal in the jazz world, but Lasky had never heard of Owen or his music.
“I thought, who is this guy Chuck Owen? He looks like an accountant.”
Then he heard the first chords.
“And it was the most thrilling band I’d heard in years…. the music was just amazing….” Lasky said.
Lasky will be on stage this Sunday, January 8, along with Chuck Owen’s septet, ReSurgence, in a special concert honoring Owen and his career in jazz and jazz education. He retired recently from the Jazz Studies department at the University of South Florida, after a long career. I’ll be presenting Owen with a rare Palladium Jazz Award during the show. For tickets and information, you can follow this link.
After meeting and hearing Owen at the symposium, Lasky was offered a composition fellowship to study with him at USF.
“Spending two years, once a week, in a room with him was a highlight for me. It was very beneficial to my career.’
Like Owen, Lasky brought classical training and an ear for symphonic music to his composing and arranging.
“With my classical and symphonic background, Chuck was really my guy. Once I found his music, I found my guidepost.”
Sunday’s show features Chuck Owen and ReSurgence, which multiple Grammy nominee Kate McGarry joining on vocals. Jazz pianists John O’Leary, Zach Bartholomew, and Lasky will open the show with solo piano pieces. Among his offerings, Lasky plans a special number dedicated to his mentor, Chuck Owen.
The concert starts at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 8. For tickets and more information, you can follow this link.
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