42. SKOPJE JAZZ FESTIVAL
JASON MORAN SOLO / JOEL ROSS GOOD VIBES
JASON MORAN SOLO
Jason Moran - piano
Since his formidable emergence on the music scene in the late 90s (in the quartet of alto saxophonist and ace talent scout Greg Osby), jazz pianist Jason Moran has proven more than his brilliance as a performer. His music combines jagged, kinetic expressionism and unabashed romanticism, bristling with ideas lifted from some of the less explored corners of the jazz piano pantheon. Moran’s long-term relationship with Blue Note Records produced 9 highly acclaimed recordings. He has performed and/or recorded with artists such as Wayne Shorter, Cassandra Wilson, Charles Lloyd, Dave Holland, Don Byron, Joe Lovano, Steve Coleman, Andrew Hill (duo), Uri Caine (duo), Archie Shepp (duo), Sam Rivers, Lee Konitz, Paul Motian, Chris Potter, Christian McBride and many, many more. Winner of numerous awards and honors, including a coveted MacArthur “Genius” Fellowship in 2010, the pianist has released a series of projects as satisfying conceptually as they are sonically, showcasing his capacious intelligence, rollicking touch, and road-less-traveled sensibility. The outstanding artist’s last visit to Skopje Jazz Festival was back in 2008, presenting his groundbreaking Bandwagon trio (with bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits). At this year’s festival we have the opportunity to experience him solo, in an intimate piano performance, from the mind of a modern master.
JOEL ROSS GOOD VIBES
Joel Ross - vibraphone
Jeremy Corren - piano
Kanoa Mendenhall - double bass
Jeremy Dutton - drums
Over the past few years, Joel Ross has distinguished himself as a defining voice among a new generation of American jazz musicians, and is building up an increasingly dedicated audience. Ross’s passion for music was awakened as a child in Chicago where he first learned to play various percussion instruments before embracing the vibraphone as his ‘weapon of choice’. At 20, he ventured into the Brooklyn/NYC jazz scene. So far, he has released three highly acclaimed albums on the legendary Blue Note Records, and has performed and/or recorded with greats like Herbie Hancock, Joshua Redman, Peter Evans, Rob Mazurek, Gerald Clayton, Ambrose Akinmusire, Wynton Marsalis, Christian McBride, Immanuel Wilkins, and Makaya McCraven, among others. Ross is not only known for his technical skill and virtuosity but also for the swinging way he presents a mix of his own compositions and works by legendary artists like Benny Golson, Ornette Coleman, and Thelonious Monk. He often transitions among the roles of storyteller, protagonist and supporting character. Inspired by mentor Stefon Harris’ empathetic, whole-self approach to articulation, Ross has adopted an entire ethos dependent on truthful, ongoing communication. Honesty persists throughout his sets. And with each release, he reaffirms a commitment to authentic discourse. Joel Ross Good Vibes is a band that moves audiences and takes them on a musical journey of discovery.