Music Style Pop/Soul

Musical Influences Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, James Taylor, Pat Metheny/Lyle Mays, Donald Fagan

Artist History In the spring of 2002, saxophonist Jason Swagler assembled a group of first call session players from St. Louis. The goal was to put together a pop/soul group that gathered inspiration from jazz influenced pop songwriters like Stevie Wonder and Donald Fagan. Jason, along with Adaron Jackson (Keys), Shaun Robinson (Guitar), Zeb Briskovich (Bass), and Miles Vandiver (Drums), would form the nucleus of the ensemble. All that was needed was a vocalist. The group contacted singer/songwriter Brian Owens, who happened to be searching for a band to perform his own material. The timing and pairing was perfect. Owens joined the band and CommonWealth was born. The members of CommonWealth first met while studying music at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. A few were even hired by the university to teach on their instrument. Jason, Shaun, Miles, and Zeb toured the country as original members of Vargas Swing. And all have played numerous gigs together as members of St. Louis’ elite circle of professional free-lance musicians. In February of 2003, The Hard Rock Cafe in St. Louis played host to CommonWealth as they released their first album. The self-titled release is a mixture of soul grooves, lush jazz harmonies, and downright catchy pop. CommonWealth is currently in the process of writing new material and plans to tour throughout 2003.

Group Members Brian Owens: Vocals Jason Swagler: Sax, Flute, Programming Shaun Robinson: Guitar Zeb Briskovich: Bass Miles Vandiver: Drums

Instruments Vocals Woodwinds Brass Guitar Keys Bass Drums

Location St. Louis, MO - USA

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