Jason Moran

There's definitely a method to Jason Moran's ivory-jumping madness, but it's hard to figure out exactly what it is. The pianist, hailed by the New York Times as "one of jazz's greatest new artists," and his ensemble, the Bandwagon, jump from bluesy-numbers to ballads, all marching to some abstract beat, but they keep that secret shrouded under skippy chords and ambushing rhythms, which makes for less boredom, and therefore more listening. Thus, Moran's strategy makes him even more suitable for his exploration of a 1959 concert given the master of planned unexpectedness, Thelonious Monk, at this year's SF Jazz Festival.

Personnel (w/the Bandwagon): Jason Moran (pianist), Nasheet Waits (drums), Tarus Mateen (bass), Marvin Sewell (guitar)

Upcoming: San Francisco Jazz Festival October 17-November 30, Earshot Jazz Festival October 19- November 4

Some Advice From Jason About What It's Like To Be Jazz Musician

Video by SESAC1