Jason Moran (musician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jason Moran
Moran in Aarhus, Denmark
Background information
Born	(1975-01-21) January 21, 1975 (age 50) Houston, Texas, U.S.
Genres	Jazz
Occupation(s)	Musician, composer
Instruments	Piano

Jason Moran (born January 21, 1975) is an American jazz pianist and composer. He is also an educator who creates art using different types of media, like music, video, and live performances.

Moran first recorded with the musician Greg Osby. He released his first album as a band leader, Soundtrack to Human Motion, in 1999. Since then, Moran has made many albums with his trio, The Bandwagon, as well as on his own and with other groups. He is known for mixing many styles of music, including modern jazz, blues, classical music, and even hip hop.

A Musical Journey

Discovering Jazz

Jason Moran was born in Houston, Texas. His parents encouraged his interest in music and art from a young age. They took him to see the Houston Symphony and to art museums.

Moran started playing classical piano when he was six years old. At first, he liked hip hop music more than the piano. But when he was 13, everything changed. He heard the song "′Round Midnight" by the famous jazz pianist Thelonious Monk. Moran was fascinated by Monk's unique style. The music sounded simple yet had surprising rhythms, similar to the hip hop songs he enjoyed. This moment inspired him to focus on playing jazz.

He went to the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Houston, where he studied jazz.

Starting a Career

After high school, Moran moved to New York City to study at the Manhattan School of Music. In 1997, during his last year of college, saxophonist Greg Osby invited him to tour Europe with his band. Osby was impressed with Moran's playing, and Moran began recording with Osby's group.

This experience helped Moran get his own recording contract with the famous Blue Note label. In 1999, he released his first album, Soundtrack to Human Motion.

The Bandwagon and Other Projects

Forming The Bandwagon

In 2000, Moran formed a trio with bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits. They called their group The Bandwagon. Their first album together was Facing Left. The trio became known for its creative and energetic performances. They often played their own songs, as well as music by other artists like Duke Ellington and Björk.

Over the years, The Bandwagon has released several popular albums, including a live album recorded at the famous Village Vanguard jazz club in New York City.

Mixing Music and Art

Moran is famous for combining his music with other art forms. He has created music for art installations, dance performances, and even skateboarding shows.

One of his most famous projects is IN MY MIND, a tribute to Thelonious Monk. The show uses videos, photos, and recordings of Monk to create a unique concert experience.

In 2014, he released the album All Rise: A Joyful Elegy for Fats Waller. This project celebrated the music of Fats Waller, another legendary jazz pianist, and the fun, danceable style of early jazz.

Moran has also worked with many other famous musicians, including saxophonist Charles Lloyd, singer Cassandra Wilson, and guitarist Bill Frisell. He has also written music for movies, including the award-winning documentary 13th.

Awards and Recognition

Jason Moran has won many awards for his music. In 2010, he received a MacArthur Fellowship, which is often called a "genius grant." This award is given to talented people in different fields.

The magazine Down Beat has named him "Jazz Artist of the Year" and "Pianist of the Year." His album Ten, released in 2010 to celebrate ten years of his band The Bandwagon, was chosen as "Jazz Album of the Year" by many critics.

Moran also gives back to the community. He helps young jazz students and teaches at music schools, sharing his love of music with the next generation.

Personal Life

Moran is married to Alicia Hall, a talented singer. They often work together on artistic projects. They live in Harlem, New York, and have two children.

Discography

As Leader or Co-leader

Soundtracks

Moran has created music for several films, including:

• Selma (2014)
• 13th (2016)
• Aggie (2020)

See also

In Spanish: Jason Moran (músico) para niños