"… Deacons must be reverent, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy for money".An audience with Owen Deacon is indeed an experience. A humble man with a bold genius. His musical journey began back in Secondary School when he spent two years as the trombonist in the Brent Youth Orchestra and what follows is truly a spirit-filled walk of musical growth. Revealing an unique vocal style, it is hardly surprising that great vocalist figures amongst his major influences, including Bill Withers, Frankie Beverley, Stevie Wonder and Bob Marley. With these iconics names to call upon, Owen honed his profession at Goldsmiths College in South East London where he studied song composition, music theory and vocals. It is again therefore no surprise to find out that the entire music spectrum figures in his repertoire, in particular Jazz and Classical.Owen is equally at home in studio as well as gigging and some sparkling credits get a mention in his performance history. From his very recent performance in the "Soul in the City" tent on a bill which included the International gospel reggae band Christafari (July 2004), back to gigging with lovers rock band "Classic Black". Owen has been a busy man indeed and some impressive secular credits include doing backing vocals with artists like Dennis Brown, Delroy Wilson and Aswad.Since giving his life to Jesus-Christ, Owen's love of God and willingness to be a servant has led him to a variety of work for the church as Youth leader, Praise and Worship leader and Men's fellowship organiser. Where music is concerned, at one end of the spectrum numerous performance visits to an array of churches up and down the country, either to support their fundraising activities or to minister in Praise and worship is counter-balanced by appearing with Basil Meade and Bishop John Francis and live performance with members of the Sounds of Blackness.Owen performed in concert with top guns like Luciano, Gregory Isaacs and a host of other top liners in summer 2003. Watch out for the forthcoming album and DVD recorded live from the show at London's Astoria Theatre. Also last year, Owen appeared on the popular God Channel in a live television interview about his music and perspective on life.On the recording scene, Millennium year 2000 marked the release of his first album "My God, Mon Ami", which prepared the ground for the excellent second album "Crossover", to be released. All in all, it has to be said that the biblical explanation of a deacon fits the man Owen Deacon quite aptly. Reverence, truth, sobriety and integrity are all fitting tributes to the man and his music.
Written by Alan Springer, May 2005
Crossover
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