Welcome to a new edition of the Neon Jazz interview series with NYC Jazz Drummer & Composer Ulysses Owens Jr. .. We had a long conversation about his unique path in jazz and his latest 2021 CD Soul Conversations .. His Eagerly-Awaited Big Band Debut on Outside in Music with his new 19-piece outfit known as the UOJ Big Band .. Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, he has always had a passion for the music. In his hometown, his family founded Don’t Miss a Beat, Inc., a non-profit organization empowering young people to dream big and give back to their communities through a blend of musical, artistic, academic, and civic engagement programming .. Along with the recording life, he was asked by Wynton Marsalis to join the esteemed Faculty at The Juilliard School to serve  as Small Ensemble Director .. he’s been there for over five years. Dig his story ..