Jason Moran is a groundbreaking American jazz pianist and composer known for his innovative fusion of various musical styles and multimedia elements, creating a sound that honors jazz traditions while pushing its boundaries. As a celebrated educator and collaborator, Moran's prolific career includes influential albums, film scores, and significant contributions to contemporary jazz culture.
Jason Moran is an American jazz pianist, composer, and educator celebrated for his innovative contributions to contemporary jazz. Born on January 21, 1975, in Houston, Texas, Moran combines various musical styles and multimedia elements to produce a sound that is both reflective of jazz tradition and boldly progressive.
Moran was raised in Houston's Pleasantville neighborhood. Encouraged by his parents, Andy, an investment banker, and Mary, a teacher, he nurtured an early passion for music and arts. Beginning classical piano training at age 6 with the Suzuki method, Moran emerged with a profound interest in jazz at 13 after listening to Thelonious Monk's "'Round Midnight."
Enrolling in Houston's High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, he graduated in 1993 and advanced to the Manhattan School of Music, where he studied under pianist Jaki Byard.
Moran's career gained momentum in 1997 when he joined Greg Osby's band. Blue Note Records signed him in 1999, leading to his debut solo album "Soundtrack to Human Motion," with significant contributors such as Stefon Harris and Eric Harland.
In 2000, Moran formed The Bandwagon, a trio with bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits. This collaboration has been the nucleus of Moran's creative output, highlighted in numerous albums and performances.
Renowned for transcending traditional jazz boundaries, Moran integrates post-bop and avant-garde jazz with blues, classical, and hip hop influences. His work includes multimedia elements, often collaborating with visual and performance artists to enrich his compositions.
Moran has collaborated extensively with jazz greats like Charles Lloyd and Steve Coleman. He also composed film scores for significant movies including "Selma" (2014) and "13th" (2016).
Joining the New England Conservatory faculty in 2010, Moran has been the Artistic Advisor for Jazz at the Kennedy Center since 2011. His role encompasses musical, educational, and curatorial undertakings, championing jazz's ongoing evolution.
Moran prolifically releases music under his own label, Yes Records, remaining active in performance and education. His diverse work threads through solo and trio recordings, underscoring his influential role in shaping modern jazz.
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