Resume – Jimmy Owens

Over forty-five years of experience as a jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, lecturer, and music education consultant. Expertise covers a wide range of international musical achievements which includes extensive work as a bandleader, soloist, studio musician, and composer of orchestral compositions, movie scores, and ballets.
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Performance Highlights

Jimmy Owens Plus …

  • Jazz Foundation of America Loft Party (2009)
  • The Monk Influence, Celebration of Thelonious Monk’s 90th Birthday, New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music (2007)
  • Fordham University, Bronx History Project, Bronx, NY (2005)
  • Tour of Caribbean, Central and South America (1989)
  • South American Tour (1983 and 1986)
  • Jazz in Grande Motte, France with Jimmy Owens Plus …, Max Roach and Chico Freeman (1981)
  • Tour of North Africa and the Middle East, U.S. State Department (1981)
  • Senegal’s 20th Independence Anniversary Concert and African Tour (1980)
  • Western States Arts Foundation Tour (1978 and 1979)
  • Manhattan House of Detention Concert Series (1974)
  • Yearly European Tours including Italy, France, Spain, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, Netherlands, England (1972 to Present)
  • Kongsberg Jazz Festival, Norway (1972)

Jimmy Owens

  • A Touch of Taylor, Salute to Billy Taylor, New York, NY (2010)
  • Celebrating Billy Strayhorn, St. Peter’s Church, New York, NY (2009)
  • University of Pittsburgh Jazz Seminar, Pittsburgh, PA (2007, 2009)
  • Celebrating Billie Holiday, St. Peter’s Church, New York, NY (2008)
  • Giants of Jazz, South Orange, NJ (2002-2009)

Selected Guest Soloist Performances:

  • Trumpet Summit with Claudio Roditi and Ray Vega, Bern, Switzerland (2007)
  • Cab Calloway Tribute, Cab Calloway Orchestra, Tokyo, Japan (2005)
  • Dizzy Gillespie Tribute with New York State of the Arts Jazz Ensemble, New York, NY (2005-2007)
  • Nathan Davis Jazz Opera, Pittsburgh, PA (2004)
  • W.C. Handy 125th Birthday Salute, Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, New York, NY     (1998)
  • Disneyland Paris, International Youth Band, Paris, France (1997 and 1998)
  • Salute to Frank Wess with Billy Taylor, Benny Powell, Grady Tate, Ted Dunbar, and Lynn Seaton’ New York, NY (1997)
  • Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Slide Hampton and the Jazz Masters, Jacksonville, FL (1996)
  • Tribute to Dizzy, Drew University with James Moody, Al Grey, Art Farmer, Lalo Schifrin, Madison, NJ    (1996)
  • 100 Trumpets for Dizzy, Musical Director, Harworth, New Jersey (1993)
  • Salute to Jimmy Heath with Kenny Barron, Slide Hampton, Rod Rodney (1990)
  • Espoo Big Band with Grady Tate, Elvin Jones, Diane Schuur, Espoo, Finland (1987)
  • Wolftrap Celebrates John Birks “Dizzy” Gillespie, Freddie Hubbard, Wynton Marsalis, Jon Faddis,     Washington, D. C. (1987)
  • Jimmy Owens in concert with painter Al Bright, Colgate University, Hamilton, NY (1985)
  • Tribute to Miles Davis, Radio City Music Hall with J.J. Johnson, Ron Carter, Jackie McLean, Roy Haynes   and Philly Joe Jones, New York, NY (1983)
  • Salute to Louis Armstrong with Dizzy Gillespie, Bobby Hackett, Joe Newman, Ray Nance (1970)

Guest Soloist with Orchestra:

  • BRT Jazz Orchestra, Brussels, Belgium (1988)
  • Hamburg Jazz Big Band, Hamburg, Germany (1988)
  • Brooklyn Philharmonic Orchestra, Brooklyn, NY (1985)
  • Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Rochester, NY (1978)
  • Hannover Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, Hannover, Germany (1978)
  • Skymasters Jazz Big Band, Hilversum, The Netherlands (1978)
  • Southern University Symphony Orchestra, Baton Rouge, LA (1977)
  • Symphony of the New World, New York, NY (1976)
  • Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, Attica Correctional Institution, Attica, NY (1973)
  • Metropole Radio Orchestra, Hilversum, The Netherlands  (1968 – 1969, 1972, 1978, 1988)

Band & Television Member

  • Black Journal TV, PBS (1974 – 1976)
  • David Frost Show, Metromedia (1969 – 1972)
  • Dick Cavett Show, ABC (1969)
  • Ars Nova Band (1968)
  • Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Band (1968)
  • Count Basie (1968)
  • Duke Ellington  (1968)
  • Max Roach Quintet (1967)
  • New York Jazz Sextet (1967 – 1969)
  • Clark Terry Big Band (1966 –1967)
  • Thad Jones-Mel Lewis Jazz Orchestra (1965)
  • Herbie Mann (1965)
  • Charles Mingus (1964 – 1965)
  • Lionel Hampton (1963 – 1964)
  • Hank Crawford  (1964 – 1965)
  • Gerry Mulligan Concert Band (1963)
  • Slide Hampton  (1962 – 1963)

Selected Festival Appearances

  • Lido Adriano Festival, Italy (2009)
  • Sala Fellini Festival, Faenza, Italy (2009)
  • Reload Festival, Ferrara, Italy (2007, 2009)
  • Valtidone Festival, Pavia, Italy (2007, 2009)
  • Cava Manara, Pavia, Italy (2006)
  • Novokuznesk Jazz Festival, Siberia (2005)
  • Jazz Town Jazz Club, Moscow, Russia (2005)
  • World Music Festival, Bahia, Brazil (2005)
  • Gratz Jazz Festival, Gratz, Austria (2004)
  • Philadelphia Jazz Festival, Philadelphia, PA (1998)
  • Cheltenham International Jazz Festival, England (1997)
  • Jacksonville, Florida Jazz Festival  (1995)
  • Wien Jazz Festival, Austria (1991)
  • JVC Jazz Festival, New York, NY(1988 – 1998)
  • Jamfest, Kingston, Jamaica (1985)
  • Pori Jazz Festival, Pori, Finland (1983 – 1986, 2008)
  • Nice Grande Parade du Jazz, Nice France  (1981 – 1987)
  • Moroccan Jazz Festival, Morocco (1981 and 1983)
  • Wolftrap, Washington, DC (1980 and 1987)
  • Winter Olympics Jazz Festival, Lake Placid, NY (1980)
  • Jazz Middleheim, Belgium (1979)
  • Atlanta Jazz Festival, Atlanta, GA (1978)
  • North Sea Jazz Festival, Netherlands  (1976 and 1977)
  • Kool Jazz Festival, New York City  (1974 – 1986)
  • Young Giants of Jazz European Tour (1973)
  • Barcelona Jazz Festival, Spain (1973 and 1986)
  • Kongsberg Festival, Norway (1972 and 1977)
  • Eleventh Ohio Valley Jazz Festival (1972)
  • Berlin Jazz Days, Federal Republic of Germany (1967, 1968, 1973, 1976)
  • Drum Tour Japan  with Art Blakey, Elvin Jones, Tony Williams (1966)
  • Newport Jazz Festival:  New York City and Rhode Island (1960, 1966 – 1972)
  • Monterey Jazz Festival, Monterey, CA (1965 and 1968)

Selected Compositions – Film, Ballet, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Band

  • Suite Stephanie, ME, WE and Them Band, Y’All New York, New York, New York (2009)
  • Dear Thaddeus and Roland, Recorded on The Masters Return (2007)
  • Pimps Up, Ho’s Down, HBO-TV Documentary (1998)
  • Hookers at the Point, Part I, Part II, HBO-TV Documentary  (1996 and 1997)
  • MLK Suite, Martin Luther High School Band, New York, NY (1996)
  • Look Softly, Skymasters Jazz Big Band, Hilversum, The Netherlands (1994)
  • Sweet Thoughts/Gentle Expressions, Greensboro Concert Band and Jazz Quartet (1993)
  • Expression of a Feeling, BRT Jazz Orchestra, Brussels, Belgium (1988)
  • The Jazz Jaleo, NDR Radio Jazz Orchestra, Hamburg, Germany (1988)
  • Against Great Odds, Ballet, Rod Rogers Dance Company, New York, NY (1985)
  • Split Second, Score, Off-Broadway Show (1984)
  • Conversations with Roy de Carava, Score, PBS-TV Film, New York, NY (1983)
  • Dreamin’ My Life Away, Metropole Symphony Orchestra, Hilversum, The Netherlands  (1978)
  • I Want to Live, To Love and To Give, Hannover Radio Philharmonic, Hannover, Germany (1978)
  • Jazz Fusions, Ballet, Rod Rogers Dance Company, New York, NY  (1977)
  • Come Sunday, Metropole Symphony Orchestra, Hilversum, The Netherlands (1974)
  • Milan is Love, Metropole Symphony Orchestra, Hilversum, The Netherlands(1968)

Faculty Appointments, Selected Clinics, Workshops, Master Classes

  • New School for Social Research, Jazz Program, Adjunct Professor, New York, NY (1990 – Present)
  • Howard University, Master Class,  Washington, D.C. (2009)
  • Duke University, Jazz Workshop Residency, Durham, NC (2007)
  • Jazz Mobile Workshop, How to Practice, New York, NY (2006)
  • Jazz Workshop Residency, Maribor, Slovenia (2004)
  • Jazz Workshop Residency, Kanazawa, Japan (2004)
  • Jazz Workshop Residency, Bassano del Grappa, Italy (2004 – 2005)
  • University of Connecticut, School of Fine Arts, Clinic and Trumpet Master Class (Spring 1998)
  • Thelonious Monk Institute, In-Residence Workshops and Master Classes, Los Angeles, CA (Spring 1998)
  • City University of New York, Visiting Professor, New York, NY (Spring 1998)
  • Greenwich High School, CT, Workshop and Adjudication, Greenwich, CT (1997)
  • Youngstown State University, College of Fine Arts, Workshop and Master Class, Youngstown, OH (1997)
  • University of Pittsburgh, Clinic and Trumpet Master Class, Pittsburgh, PA (1992 and 1997)
  • Oberlin Conservatory of Music, Visiting Professor, Oberlin, OH  (1992 – 1993)
  • Queensborough Community College, Adjunct Professor, Queensborough, NY  (1984 – 1985)
  • State University of New York, College at Old Westbury, Adjunct Professor, Old Westbury, NY (1981 – 1986)
  • McLennan Community College, Concerts and Workshops, Waco, TX  (1978)
  • Bennington Summers Jazz Lab, Summer Residency, Bennington, VT (1976)
  • State University of New York, Lecture Demonstration and Concert, Stonybrook, NY (1975)

Professional Affiliations

  • International Trumpet Guild (1975 – Present)
  • International Association of Jazz Educators (1974 – 2008), Trumpet Chairperson (1974 – 2008)
  • B.M.I., Writer/Publisher  (1966 – Present)
  • Associated Musicians of Greater New York, Local 802, AFM (1958 – Present)
  • National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences,  New York, NY (1971 –  Present), Board of Governors,  Vice President, NYC Chapter (1971)
  • American Guild of Authors and Composers, Publisher/Composer  (1968 – 1985)
  • Mechanical Copyright Protection Society  (1967 – 1976)
  • MUSE, Jazz Workshop Staff  (1968 – 1973)

Other Professional Affiliations

  • United States Information Agency, Panelist, Jazz Ambassadors Program with Kennedy Center (1998)
  • Thelonious Monk Institute, Artistic Director, Saxophone Competition, Los Angeles, CA (1996)
  • Jazz Foundation of America, Inc., Board of Directors, New York, NY  (1989 to present)
  • National Endowment for the Arts, Jazz Consultant (1984)
  • Jazzmobile, Inc., Workshop Program Director, New York, NY (1981 – 1986)
  • Massachusetts Arts & Humanities Foundation, Panelist (1977)
  • American Arts Alliance, Inc., Executive Committee & Board of Directors  (1977 – 1983)
  • New York State Council on the Arts, Presenting Organization Panel (1978 – 1981),  Arts Music Panel (1975-1978)
  • New York Jazz Repertory Company, Musical Director and Board of Directors, New York, NY (1974)
  • National Endowment for the Arts, Jazz Panelist (1972 – 1976, 1998, 1990, 2009)

Honors and Awards

  • A. B. Spellman NEA Jazz Masters Award for Jazz Advocacy (2012)
  • Y’All New York Salutes Jimmy Owens (2009)
  • Benny Golson Jazz Master Award, Howard University  (2008)
  •  Lifetime Achievement Award, New York Brass Conference (2007)
  • Dr. Billy Taylor Humanitarian Award, Jazz Foundation of America (2002)
  • Grant for Oral History Project, National Endowment for the Arts (1990)
  • Manhattan Borough President’s Award for Excellence in the Arts  (1986)
  • International Success Award, Marabu Club, Italy (1983)
  • Composition Fellowship, National Endowment for the Arts (1980)
  • Survival of the Black Artist Award, Howard University, Washington, DC (1980)
  • New Leaders for the ‘80s Award, Black Enterprise Magazine  (1979)
  • Presidential Citation, Clark College, Atlanta, GA (1972)
  • America Achievement Award, Jazz at Home Club of America (1972)
  • International Critics Poll for Talent Deserving Wider Recognition, Downbeat Magazine (1967)
  • Winner of competition to join Newport Youth Band  (1959)

Selected Discography

As Leader:

  • Peaceful Walking, Jay-Oh Jazz Recording, A Division of Jay-Oh Productions, Inc. (2007)
  • Headin’ Home, A&M Horizon Records, SP 729 (1977)
  • Jimmy Owens, A&M Horizon Records, SP 712 (1976)
  • No Escapin’ It, Polydor, 24-4031 (1970)

Co-Leader:

  • With Kenny Barron, You Had Better Listen, Atlantic Records, SD 1491 (1967); Re-issued (2001) COL-CD-6170

All-Star Groups

  • One More – The Music of Thad Jones, IPO Recordings, Inc., IPOC1007 (2006)
  • One More: The Summary Music of Thad Jones, Vol 2, IPO Recordings, Inc., IPOC1011 (2006)
  • With Malice Toward None–  The Music of Tom McIntosh, IPO Recordings, Inc., IOPC1005 (2003)

As Side Musician:

  • Gerald Wilson, Monterey Moods, Mark Avenue, MAC1039 (2007)
  • Christian Fabian, The Masters Return, CAP Records, 1010 (2007)
  • Gerald Wilson, In My Time, Mark Avenue, MAC1025 (2005)
  • Gerald Wilson, New York New Sound, Mack Avenue MAC1009(2003)
  • Pete La Roca Sims, Swingtime, Blue Note, CDP 724385487620 (1997)
  • Harold McKinney, McKinFolk, Rebirth Inc., RR 240 (1996)
  • Kenny Burrell, The Jazz Heritage All Stars, Concord, CCD 4731 (1996)
  • Mike Longo, I Miss You John, CAP 912 (1995)
  • Billy Taylor, Jazzmobile All Stars Taylor Made Recording, T 1003 (1989)
  • Norman Simmons, 13th Moon, MJPC 1003 (1986)
  • Polly Podewell, I’m Old Fashion,  Baybridge Records FEX 26B (1984)
  • Norman Simmons, I’m the Blues, Milljac Records (1981)
  • Mingus Dynasty, Chair in the Sky, Elektra TE0248 (1979)
  • Bill Barron, Variations in Blue, Muse, MR5235 (1978)
  • Bill Barron, Jazz Caper, Muse,  MR5235 (1978)
  • Leon Thomas, Full Circle, Flying Dutchman Records, FD 101 67 (1973)
  • Billy Cobham, Spectrum, Atlantic Records,  Atlantic SD 7268 (1973)
  • Newport Jazz Festival in New York, Vol. 1 & 2, Cobblestone Records, CST 9025 (1972)
  • Billy Taylor, OK Billy, Bell Records, 6049 (1970)
  • Billy Harper, Capra Black, Strata-East, SES 19739 (1969)
  • Archie Shepp, For Losers, Impulse, AS 9188 (1969)
  • Ars Nova, Sunshine and Shadows, Atlantic, SD 8221 (1969)
  • Willie Bobo, A New Dimension, Verve, V6-8722 (1968)
  • Dizzy Gillespie, The Dizzy Gillespie Reunion Band, MPS 15 207 (1968)
  • Hubert Laws, Law’s Cause, Atlantic, SD 1509 (1968)
  • Archie Shepp, The Way Ahead, Impulse, A-9170 (1968)
  • Gary Bartz, Libra, Milestone, MSP9006 (1967)
  • Jaki Byard, On the Spot, Prestige, 7524 (1967)
  • James Moody, Moody and the Brass Figures, Milestone, 9005 (1966)
  • Herbie Mann, New Mann at Newport, Atlantic, SD 1471 (1966)
  • Gerald Wilson, The Golden Sword, Pacific Jazz, PJ 1011 (1966)
  • Herbie Mann, Today, Atlantic, 1454 (1965)
  • Charles Mingus, Music Written for Monterey, JWS 0013; 0014 (1965)

Publications and Interviews

  • Jimmy Owens. Remembering Jamil Nasser, JazzTimes.com (2010)
  • Jimmy Owens. How the Jazz Artist Practices, In Early 20th Century Brass Idioms, Scarecrow Press (2009)
  • Jimmy Owens. Jonah Jones: Then and Now In The Jazz Artist, New York, Vol. 1  (Spring 1998)
  • Jimmy Owens. Copyright Law and Protections  In Arts Midwest Jazz Letter. Minneapolis, MN
  • (Spring 1991)
  • Jimmy Owens, Billy Taylor: American Jazz Master In Journal of  the International Association of Jazz Educators, Manhattan,  KS  (Winter 1991)
  • Jimmy Owens Interview Jazz Improv Magazine, Vol 8, #1 (2008)
  • Jimmy Owens Interview: How the Jazz Artist Practices, Allegro/Local 802 AFM  (2008)
  • Jimmy Owens Interview:  His Own Sound, Allegro/Local 802 AFM  (2008)
  • Jimmy Owens Interview by Larry Ridley, The National Jazz Museum, New York, NY (2007)
  •  Jimmy Owens Interview Jazz Improv Magazine. Vol. 3, #3 (2001)
  • Haywood Henry Interview by Jimmy Owens  Artist and Influence, Hatch-Billops Collection, Inc., New York, NY Vol. XI. (1991)
  • Panama Francis Interview by Jimmy Owens Artist and Influence, Hatch-Billops Collection, Inc., New York, NY Vol. IX. (1989)
  • Dizzy Gillespie Interview by Jimmy Owens Artist and Influence, Hatch-Billops Collection, Inc., New York, NY Vol. II. (1981)
  • Jimmy Owens. Publishing Music on Your Own In Art and the Law. New York, NY ( Fall 1975)

Education

  • Masters of Education (M.Ed.), University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA (1975)
  • Private composition studies with Henry Brant, New York, NY (1965 – 1966)
  • Private study on trumpet with Carmine Caruso (1961 – 1963) Dr. Donald Byrd  (1958 – 1960)
  • High School of Music and Art, New York, NY (1961)