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Jason Morn: Soundtrack To Human Motion

By Mark Corroto
June 1, 1999
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Pianist Jason Moran’s debut as leader showcases a very mature 24 year-old talent. Early training in classical music and subsequent lessons from Andrew Hill and Muhal Richard Abrams led Moran to flirt with an inside/outside approach that borders on chamber jazz. Listening to his take on Maurice Ravel’s “Le Tombeau de Couperin,” you could be persuaded to toss out the definitions of jazz and classical music. Joining Moran in duo, trio, quartet, and quintet contexts is saxophonist Greg Osby. The saxophonist lends his now 180 degree turn from funk approach to complete the moodiness of this recording. The band draws from Miles Davis’ second great quintet for their approach on “Retrograde,” a subtle swinging tune that claims to be a backward rendition of Andrew Hill’s “Smokestack.” Moran, perhaps a throwback to early Herbie Hancock, has me waiting for his next offering.

Track List:Gangsterism On Canvas; Snake Stance; Le Tombeau de Couperin/States Of Art; Still Moving; JAMO Meets SAMO; Kinesics; Aquanaut; Retrograde; Release From Suffering; Root Progression.

Personnel

Jason Morn

Jason Moran

Album information

Title: Soundtrack To Human Motion | Year Released: 1999 | Record Label: Blue Note Records

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