Jason Moran: The Bandwagon

Tunes from previous collections, new songs, and two pieces improvised based on sampled speech patterns make up the set list. A brief “Intro” leads into a jumped up version of “Another One,” originally from Facing Left (2000). The complex density races along at breakneck speed. Slowing things down with a little Brahms, “Intermezzo, Op. 118, No.2” receives a straight solo reading until the rhythm section joins and Mateen flies through the stately chording.

”Ringing My Phone (Straight Out of Istanbul)” uses a taped Turkish woman’s story as a rhythmic basis for a fascinating group improv. Even her punctuating laughter cues the musicians’ imaginations, resulting in a fitful original composition. Moran takes “Out Front,” from Black Stars (2001), and opens a whole new area of variations. Its near ragtime quality gets Monked up and stretched out with playful prodding from Waits and Mateen.

”Gentle Shifts South,” from Modernistic (2002), remains a pensive romantic solo piece, here augmented by samples of older Moran family members remembering others in their line. “Gangsterism on Canvas” swings hard and gives these three players a heated exchange before the subdued coda. “Body and Soul” shows the trio’s ability to work authentically with a standard while freely pursuing their own variations.

”Infospace” also successfully uses a looped speech pattern as a basis for improvisation, here it’s a Chinese stock report according to Moran. How else to end it but a new take on Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock”? Originally played solo on Modernistic, the piece gains power here from the robust rhythm section.

Each new release by Jason Moran re-emphasizes his stature as one of the most profoundly gifted and original musicians of our time. The future of jazz keeps looking brighter.

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