Jazz pianist Jason Moran pays tribute to Duke Ellington in "Duke Ellington: My Heart Sings" at Houston’s Wortham Center. A Houston native, Moran reflects on Ellington’s influence and his dream of creating a Houston jazz venue for open-mic jam sessions.
Houston-born jazz pianist Jason Moran will tribute the legendary composer Duke Ellington in a special concert called “Duke Ellington: My Heart Sings” at the Wortham Center this Friday. The event, hosted by DACAMERA, will also showcase the Big Band from Kinder High School for the Performing and Visual Arts (HSPVA), Moran’s alma mater.
Moran acknowledges that Ellington’s music has been a pivotal influence on his career. He remembers first listening to Thelonious Monk’s version of "Black and Tan Fantasy," which inspired him to delve into Ellington’s extensive collection.
The pianist was impressed by Ellington’s skill in moving effortlessly from vibrant, spirited compositions to profoundly reflective, emotional works. "We could be out here dancing and screaming our heads off, but then he slows it all the way down and delves into your innermost thoughts," Moran remarked, referencing "Melancholia" as an illustration of Ellington’s talent for expressing profound emotion without the use of lyrics.
Moran’s enthusiasm for jazz blossomed at HSPVA, where he had the opportunity to learn directly from jazz legends such as Dizzy Gillespie, who once visited his class. He aims to contribute to Houston’s jazz community by establishing a venue for musicians to jam and perform in an open-mic format.
Moran stated, "Jazz flourishes in live environments where musicians can draw inspiration from one another's energy." He seeks to create an environment where musicians in Houston can come together, explore new ideas, and showcase their artistry.
Moran’s concert not only pays homage to Ellington but also honors Houston’s rich jazz heritage, to motivate the upcoming generation of musicians.
The presence of HSPVA’s big band underscores the city’s robust music education initiatives, which have cultivated remarkable jazz talent throughout the years.
As Moran takes the stage, he pays tribute to Ellington’s legacy and imagines a future where Houston’s jazz scene thrives through mentorship, performance, and community involvement.
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