Interview with jazz tenor saxophonist Charles Owens. An interview by email in writing. He decided to edit our questionnaire and not answer a number of questions, for example, if he ever played, where would he like to be in a time machine and why… etc.

JazzBluesNews.com: – First, let’s start out with where you grew up?

Charles Owens: – I grew up in Franconia Virginia USA. I was born in Alexandria VA. All within the DC, Marlyand, Virginia area. I was always fascinated and in love with music. Ever since i can remember I’ve been obsessed with listening to it and playing it. My dad and older sisters were always playing greats tuff around the house and tgat really got me started in listening to it on my own.

OUR US/EU Jazz and Blues Festivals 2023

JBN: – How exactly did your adventure take off?

CHO: – When I was 11 I saw the movie “Amadeus” and remember saying that this was what i wanted to do forever. Music is the closest thing we have to magic.

JBN: – When did you realize that this was a passion you could make a living out of?

CHO: – I’m 50 now and I’ve been making money from music since I was 15 /But all the same, he continues to be a bum – JBN/. I always knew I could do it. From an early age i knew and was friends with people who were full time professional musicians so it was never something that seemed impossible.Thats not to say it wasn’t difficult to make it to that point though.

JBN: – How has your sound evolved over time?

CHO: – I listen to old recordings of me and I’m still working on some of the same ideas today that I was then. I think the most change has been in my technique on the instrument and the over all quality of my saxophone tone. Also my solos tend to be more tasteful and meaningful the older i get. There is less and less ego in my playing as I get more mature. I like that.

JBN: – What have you been doing to find and develop your own sound?

CHO: – I practice 6 days a week and always try to find new and interesting music to listen to. I play a lot of piano and I compose on a regular basis. I also play with new and younger people as much as i can. The older I get the more wisdom i have yes but it’s more of a challenge to have a fresh and hopeful outlook on the music. Playing with younger people is a great way for me to keep that with me.

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JBN: – In your opinion, what’s the balance in music between intellect and soul?

CHO: – Playing music should have an equal balance of melody, harmony, rhythm, calm, clarity, confidence, spirituality, intellect, and passion.

OUR US/EU Jazz and Blues Festivals 2023

JBN: – There’s a two-way relationship between audience and artist; are you okay with delivering people the emotion they long for?

CHO: – It’s my job!

JBN: – How can we get young people interested in jazz when most of standard tunes are half a century old?

CHO: – I am trying to update the American songbook.

Interview by Simon Sarg

Note: https://jazzbluesnews.com/2023/03/19/useu-jazz-blues-association-festivals/ You can express your consent and join our association, which will give you the opportunity to perform at our Jazz and Blues festivals, naturally receiving an appropriate royalty. We cover all expenses. The objectives of the interview are: How to introduce yourself, your activities, thoughts and intellect, and make new discoveries for our US/EU Jazz & Blues Association, which organizes festivals, concerts and meetings in Boston and various European countries, why not for you too!! You can read more about the association here. https://jazzbluesnews.com/2022/11/19/useujba/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RYA6Zv0cX0