Composition

In addition to his dozens of solo guitar pieces and jazz-inflected songs, Owen James has written music for dance, theater and the church. 

Highlights include Aileytudes, based on a poem of the same name, which was choreographed and performed in New York City in 2007 by the poet and dancer RiShana Blake, and incidental music and underscore for a production, in Michigan, of Edward Albey's Three Tall Women.  In it, Owen created a 6-note modal "row," and, employing aspects of Anton Webern's serial technique, manipulated it to produce three distinct motifs, representing the character--and characteristics--of each woman.

Finally, his sacred choral music has been performed in Michigan, Indiana and Oregon.  Drawing upon texts from the scriptures, Owen creates pieces that are harmonically rich, yet voiced to be accessible to the intermediate choir.

Arranging

Owen James has a deep background in the vocal jazz ensemble tradition.  While studying jazz at the University of Miami, he was a member of the school's Jazz Vocal Ensemble I (JVI), which performed throughout the U.S. and Japan and received numerous Downbeat Magazine awards.  The group's repertoire consisted of classic arrangements from the great groups of the genre:  The Hi-Lo's, Singers Unlimited, Manhattan Transfer and New York Voices, to name a few.  But their shows were also peppered with offerings from JVI director Larry Lapin.  Singing these great arrangements and studying with Mr. Lapin allowed Owen direct access to the finer points of jazz harmony, creative re-interpretation and textural variety that his work features today.  

Owen's jazz vocal ensemble arrangements have been been featured at the Bay View Music Festival, on Indianapolis public television and with the Bloomington Pops Orchestra.