Tampa Bay Arts and Culture Oral History Project
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Interviewer
Louise Krikorian
Publication Date
6-24-2025
Abstract
Five-time Grammy nominated Jazz composer and longtime USF professor Chuck Owen as he reflects on his career building the university’s jazz studies program, working with renowned artists, and leading his ensemble, The Jazz Surge. He shares stories from decades in music, including a concert with Art Blakey halted by Blakey’s wife over a tape recorder and a dramatic studio evacuation during the recording of “Sparks Fly” when sparks were literally arcing on the roof. Owen discusses his band’s unique instrumentation—especially the inclusion of violinist Sara Caswell and two guitarists—and his pride in former students now succeeding across the music industry like Bob Thompson, President of Wise Music Group. He explains his creative process, emphasizing playfulness, reflection, and writing for the individual voices of musicians such as vocalist Kate McGarry. He recalls how his band has become a family and prefers to work with musicians like Andrea Bocelli’s bassist Mark Neuenschwander
Keywords
USF Jazz Ensemble, Grammy Awards, Jazz composers, big bands, Mark Neuenschwander, Sara Caswell, Kate McGarry, Bob Thompson, Art Blakey
Extent
00:52:21;24 page transcript
Type
Oral History
Format
Digital only
Identifier
arts_culture_ohp-1017
Recommended Citation
Owen, Chuck, "Chuck Owen Oral History Interview" (2025). Tampa Bay Arts and Culture Oral History Project. 18.
https://digitalcommons.usf.edu/arts_culture_ohp/18
Rights Statement
