14-Year-Old Pianist Owen York Unveils New Umphrey’s McGee Medley

It’s been more than two years since talented pianist Owen York first came onto the JamBase radar with an impromptu performance for Umphrey’s McGee fans. York is now 14-years-old and continues to unveil impressive medleys, combining portions of songs from artists such as Phish, Radiohead, David Bowie, Beck, Steely Dan, The Who and the aforementioned Umphrey’s McGee.

Owen recently recorded a sequel to his 2016 Umphrey’s McGee Medley. York’s new project includes portions of more than 20 songs he previously left uncovered — with the exceptions of “JaJunk” and “Mantis,” both of which comprise the finale of his new work. York appropriately chose to play the final segments of these pieces, along with UM favorites such as “Divisions,” “Higgins,” “Der Bluten Kat” and more in his new medley. The project also features a segment of a jazz piece that Umphrey’s has played throughout their career, Chick Corea’s “Señor Mouse.”

York said the following of the medley, “I’ve been lucky enough to play music with Umphrey’s at a soundcheck, they are great musicians and very nice guys! I have seen them live eight times. I also saw Chick Corea perform and got to meet him. Both jazz and classical music always influence how I’ve played the piano since age six.” Watch Owen York’s new UM medley below:

Here’s Owen’s first UM Medley featuring parts of more than 30 songs:

Owen is a member of the Rockland Youth Jazz Ensemble, consisting of elite musicians from New York and New Jersey. Keep your eyes on York’s YouTube channel for more medleys and his many performances from mashups to original compositions and covers.