Jason Moran, an acclaimed pianist and educator, will serve as the artist-in-residence for the 46th annual Detroit Jazz Festival, taking place from August 29 to September 1 in Hart Plaza and Campus Martius Park. Moran, who has performed at the festival multiple times, expressed surprise and excitement about his new role, stating, “It always seemed like an exciting prospect, to share a number of sets with the Detroit listening public.”
Moran, who released an album titled “Artist in Residence” in 2006, admitted feeling “sort of terrified” as he prepares for three unique performances during the festival. He recognizes the profound connection Detroit audiences have with music, noting, “The city of Detroit has taught the world to listen to music.” He emphasized the cultural depth of Detroit, where musicians proudly claim their roots and carry the city’s musical legacy globally.
Born in Houston, Moran began his professional journey in 1997 with saxophonist Greg Osby‘s band. He has since released numerous albums, including his latest, “Refract”, in 2023. Moran’s collaborations span a wide array of artists, including Charles Lloyd and Don Byron, and he has composed soundtracks for films such as “Selma”. His accolades include induction into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2022 and receiving the German Jazz Prize for Pianist of the Year in 2023.
Festival Artistic Director and CEO Chris Collins praised Moran’s innovative approach to jazz, stating, “Jason Moran is a trailblazer in the use of diverse multimedia and theatrical installations to present jazz to audiences in a way that has never been done before.”
Unique Performances and Tributes
Moran will kick off the festival on Friday, August 29, with an ambitious performance alongside electronic music veteran Jeff Mills, featuring poet and singer Jessica Care Moore as a special guest. He remarked, “Techno has long been a thing I’ve listened to and practiced with sometimes, at home. So why not, when you’re in Detroit, really represent it?” The collaboration aims to explore the intersection of drum machines and piano, showcasing the unique musical landscape of an industrial city.
On Sunday, August 31, Moran will celebrate the legacy of Duke Ellington with a special performance featuring the festival’s Collegiate Jazz Orchestra. He will conclude the festival on Monday, September 1, with his ensemble, Bandwagon, joined by special guests Meshell Ndegeocello and Akili.
Throughout the festival, Moran plans to honor the late Geri Allen, a mentor and significant influence on his career. He expressed his admiration, stating, “Every once in a while, Geri Allen is gonna show up there, ’cause to me she represented the true synthesis of a true artist.” Moran’s reflections on Allen highlight the profound impact she had on his artistic journey.
Moran believes that the Detroit Jazz Festival stands out due to the city’s rich musical history and cultural significance. He stated, “That’s what makes it exciting for me, to be presenting sets of music in a city that’s responsible for a lot of change and possibilities in music.”
The festival promises to be an engaging experience, with performances streamed live at detroitjazzfest.org/live. Attendees can look forward to a dynamic weekend filled with innovative jazz and a celebration of Detroit’s musical heritage. For more information on schedules and performances, visit detroitjazzfest.org.