University of South Florida

College of The Arts

University of South Florida

Chuck Owen and The Jazz Surge Releases New Album

Thursday, August 31, 2017

Distinguished University Professor of Jazz Studies Chuck Owen along with his band The Jazz Surge release a new album titled Whispers on the Wind.

Composed, conducted, and arranged by Owen, Whispers on the Wind is the first album to be released since Chuck Owen and The Jazz Surge released River Runs in 2014, which received two GRAMMY nominations and international acclaim.

Whispers on the Wind combines American folk sensibilities with the allure of America's heartland to examine American tradition, values, myths, and more.

With this release, Chuck Owen and The Jazz Surge harness a powerful 19-piece big band sound along with the unique addition of harmonica by guest artist Grégoire Maret as well as accordion and dulcimer performed by Chuck Owen himself. Multi-GRAMMY-winning trumpeter Randy Brecker completes the guest lineup.

Whispers on the Wind album cover by Chuck Owen and the Jazz Surge

Whispers on the Wind was recorded, mixed, and mastered in Tampa by engineer Tom Morris with recording assistance by Jim Morris. The album, available on September 8, 2017, is on the Summit / MAMA record label.

In addition, look for Owen's local radio appearance on WUSF 89.7 with Jazz Director Mike Cornette on September 7, 2017, at 9 p.m. to learn more about Whispers on the Wind and hear excerpts from the album.