Magic Light

Pianist/composer/arranger Chuck Owen's multiple Grammy nominations over the last two decades honored his instrumental "Jazz Surge" Big Band's achievements. Here, through lyrics he's written for several of his compositions - all beautifully interpreted by Kate McGarry - Owen more directly reveals his music's intent. His genre-defying sextet of creative improvisors move freely through his expansive compositions - from urban funk to folk music, swing to contemporary classical, in a manner that is not self-conscious but assured, heartfelt, and deeply musical. With Sara Caswell's lyrical, sometimes haunting violin, paired with Corey Christiansen's blues-drenched guitars or Jack Wilkins' expansive sax performance, the group deftly embraces the sonic groundwork of drummers Danny Gottlieb & Matt Wilson along with bassist Mark Neuenschwander and Owen on piano & keys. "Like water, Owen's music will go everywhere it can: his colors are amazingly diverse." - New York Music Daily. Owen opens up the music to the rafters......as yearning becomes these tremendous bursts of dynamic drama, form, and splendor. - Medium.