Personnel: Jason Moran (piano); Greg Osby (soprano & alto saxophones); Stefon Harris (vibraphone); Lonnie Plaxico (bass); Eric Harland (drums).
Jazz pianist/composer Jason Moran's debut, Soundtrack to Human Motion, approaches his music with an abstract, impressionistic outlook. Inspired by artists as diverse as painter Jean-Michel Basquiat and composer Maurice Ravel on tracks like "JAMO Meets SAMO" and "Le Tombeau de Couperin/States of Art" and "Gangsterism on Canvas," Moran applies a kinetic, graceful touch. Vibes, alto and soprano saxophones, bass and drums complete Moran's sonic palette on this impressive first album. ~ Heather Phares
Professional Reviews
CMJ (4/19/99, p.34) - "...His influences clearly range beyond the jazz realm, frequently incorporating strokes of Ravel and soft, Chopin-like chords. Where others might play a large cluster of notes or a big, harmonically splashy chord, Moran illustrates in a simple, almost minimal line or texture that speaks volumes..."
JazzTimes (3/00, p.99) - "...Moran has plenty of pianistic ideas, and repeated listens reveal how he is moving into his own way of dealing....This is good music that can only get better if Moran stays his course..."
