Legendary Jazz artist JIMMY OWENS (trumpet, flugelhorn) has nearly 50 years of experience as a Jazz trumpeter, composer, arranger, lecturer, and music education consultant. His experience covers a wide range of international musical achievement, which includes extensive work as a studio musician, soloist, bandleader, and composer of orchestral compositions, movie scores, and ballets.
Jimmy is one of the few trumpeters of his generation who played as a sideman with such extraordinary Jazz leaders as Lionel Hampton, Hank Crawford, Charles Mingus, Max Roach, Duke Ellington, Billy Taylor, and the Thad Jones/Mel Lewis Band, among others. As a result, his musical and personal recollections are unique. He can share personal recollections of being a sideman in some of the most exciting bands in the history of Jazz music. His anecdotes are priceless: playing with Cootie Williams, Sweets Edison, Roy Eldridge and Dizzy Gillespie in an historic concert at Yale where Eubie Blake and Paul Robeson were in the audience; sitting in with Miles Davis at the age of fifteen, and many others.
Throughout his long career, Jimmy has consistently emphasized in both his performances and recordings a deep understanding of the blues as well as beautiful and articulate emotional projection on ballads. As a reviewer stated in All About Jazz regarding Jimmy’s performance on One More: The Summary – Music of Thad Jones, Vol 2 (2006), an all-star recording on which Jimmy appeared – “Jimmy Owens … proves that he’s better than ever, whether employing a breathy, vocal quality (Little Pixie), a smooth flugelhorn sound (Three in One), or brilliant and elliptical Jones-like melodic ideas (Rejoice).” Read Jimmy’s Full Biography
Interest in Booking
Watch & Hear Jimmy Below
Media
‘24-‘26 Seasons
I am excited to represent an amazing elder and Jazz legend who is available to not just students, but audiences worldwide.
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Contact me Mon - Fri 503-997-4463 8am-3 pm PST
Now The Time for Jazz https://youtu.be/8OAAdw_cls Additional links about his work and more about his Jazz Journey: - https://youtube.com/shorts/scFc8UbS9Io?feature=share
- https://www.JimmyOwensJazz.com NEA Jazz Master’s Jimmy Owens website and why I’m booking dates to celebrate his 80th Year of Life….a great opportunity to include elders, HS & college musicians. We also develop unique workshops when booked. It will not conflict with his new school teaching schedule to get him elsewhere as an NEA jazz master
- Conversations in Jazz for school aged students with storyteller Robbi K https://youtu.be/aosiU_OIUcg
- Jimmy also has orchestral and band arrangements for spirituals and storytelling https://youtu.be/CKpdgu3YkcE
- https://youtu.be/8OAAdw_clss
- https://youtu.be/5bXiuW9rNe4
- Watch LIVE on YOUTUBE Sunday June 23
MUSIC TRAIN Episode 10: A Platform for Inspiration
Hosted by the esteemed Vessy Mink, MUSIC TRAIN Episode 10 is an enlightening and inspiring event for music enthusiasts of all backgrounds. The virtual platform on YouTube serves as a gathering place where Owens and Kumalo will share their personal journeys, discuss the intricacies of their craft, and delve into the evolving landscape of the music industry. From tales of collaboration with jazz legends to the challenges and triumphs of their respective careers, the speakers will offer invaluable insights and inspire listeners to explore the boundless possibilities of music. This not-to-be-missed event features Jimmy Owens and Robbi Kumalo, two remarkable individuals whose contributions to the world of music have left an indelible impact. Get ready to be inspired and enthralled by the wisdom and talent of these incredible speakers.