Brian Owens opens ‘Masters Series’ with the great Marvin Gaye

Brian Owens 1

Brian Owens presents the music of Marvin Gaye at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8 as the first of “The Masters” series.

Posted: Thursday, July 25, 2013 5:45 am | Updated: 11:42 am, Fri Jul 26, 2013.
By Chris King | 0 comments
St. Louis-based musical artist Brian Owens has prepared a syllabus in what he calls his “version of a PhD in classic soul.” In “The Masters Series,” he will produce and present a series of concerts focusing on the music of Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash.
He starts with the music of Marvin Gaye at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd.,
at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8. He’ll perform with special guests Theresa Payne, Nao Yoshioka, backed by Good for the Soul, a two-piece horn section made up of Jason Swagler and Anthony Wiggins, and a string quintet of students who participate in the Saint Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra.
The American asked Owens about “The Master Series.”
The American: Why these masters in particular? Why Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles and Johnny Cash?
Brian Owens: They have all influenced my musical palate, and deepened my perspectives and ideals with respect to soul music. They've taught me how to phrase, feel and share music in such a way that the wall between audience and performer becomes transparent, which allows us to then share in a mutually edifying experience.
The American: Why start with Marvin?
Brian Owens: I wanted to begin with something that would force me to grow as a musician, writer and performer, and to be honest, it just made sense. It's Marvin Gaye!
I've  always wanted to delve more into the Marvin Gaye songbook. I love his music and the versatility and depth of his discography. I will say that I'm very quickly discovering why so few artists take on such an endeavor; interpreting the music of Marvin Gaye is no easy task.
He had so many wonderful colors to his voice! He had amazing phrasing and emotional sensitivity with lyrics, a simplistic virtuosity with melodies that in many ways for me is like listing to Miles Davis. To top it all off, he could be rough and edgy.
The American: Your release talks about this in academic terms, as “a PhD in classic soul.” What does Marvin have to teach us?
Brian Owens: More than we may have time to learn on this side if heaven! Here is what I'm learning from the music and artistry of Marvin Gaye:
1) You CAN produce music that is both commercially viable and socially aware so make music that feeds the soul.
2)  Never overshadow the song! Do as little as possible, but as much as necessary.
3) Versatility and the ability to communicate a wide range of music regardless of genre is important to the training an nurturing of any performer, vocalist especially!
The American: Who needs to learn the lesson?
Brian Owens: Anyone who calls themselves an artist!
Brian Owens presents the music of Marvin Gaye at the Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 8. Tickets are $15 General Admission at the door.Advanced reserve tickets and ticket packages are available at metrotix.com. For groups of 10 or more, email groups@brianowens.tv for a 15 percent discount.
A recreation of Sam Cooke's "Live at the Copacabana" concert is planned for Friday October 11 at The Rustic Goat. Four additional “Master Series” shows are being developed for 2014.