In 2017, Chuck Owen’s Jazz Surge ensemble earned four Grammy nominations for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Recording, Best Instrumental Composition ("Warped Cowboy"), Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella ("All Hat, No Saddle") and Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album. Believe it or not, the band hasn’t played together since.
That was supposed to change this weekend when the Surge—including Sara Caswell (Grammy nominee for “Best Jazz Solo”), Frank Greene, Clay Jenkins, Corey Christiansen, Danny Gottlieb, et al.—got back together to celebrate 25 years of bandom.
Until, novel coronavirus ruined nine months of preparation from Owen and the band.
In a statement on social media, Owen said is, "So incredibly disappointed to share with you that the USF Jazz Alumni Reunion and the Jazz Surge concert Saturday evening have fallen victim to corona virus concerns as USF cancelled all events on campus for the next 30 days. 9 months of work . . . . phphhtt!"
"Much more importantly, was SOOOO looking forward to reuniting with former students and the incredible musicians that make up the Jazz Surge," he added. "Trying to adopt a little of the determination and ability to look to the future found in this wonderful sculpture by Penny Hardy. . . . . . . but it's pretty hard right now!
The gig was supposed to be the first salvo of what Owens still hopes is a year-long celebration, and the performance was supposed to feature a wide swath of material from four to six of the band’s releases as well new stuff.
Chuck Owen & the Jazz Surge. Sat. March 14, 7:30 p.m. $20. School of Music Concert Hall at University of South Florida, Tampa local.cltampa.com
Follow @cl_music on Twitter to get the most up-to-date music news, concert announcements and local tunes. Subscribe to our newsletter, and listen to us on WMNF 88.5-FM’s “Radio Reverb” program every Saturday from 4 p.m.-6 p.m.