Jason Moran: Artist in Residence

The range of musical and non-musical influences here, often within a single composition, is impressive. On the opener, the rousing "Breakdown, Moran places a brief sample of ruminations by conceptual artist Adrian Piper over a breakbeat laid down by bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits. That's followed by "Milestone, a haunting art song written by Moran's wife, soprano Alicia Hall Moran, and featuring her exquisite vocals.

A duet of Moran and the pioneering video and performance artist Joan Jonas is among the album's strongest performances; Jonas plays an array of odd percussion instruments. Piper is heard again and at greater length on "Artists Ought to be Writing, a provocative, though somewhat pedantic, reflection on the role of the artist in contemporary society. In a somewhat more mainstream vein, an expanded Bandwagon lineup is heard on the stirring composition "Rain, a Jazz at Lincoln Center commission inspired by the "ring shout from the era of slavery. That tune is paired with a deep blues take on "Lift Every Voice, the song that became known as the black national anthem during the civil rights movement.

Not all of this material works, and some compositions suffer from the absence of their intended visual and theatrical counterparts. But it's certainly thought-provoking, and there's no questioning the musicianship and improvisatory skills involved. To hear the pulse of modern jazz right now—and maybe learn where it's headed—keep your ears tuned to Moran.

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