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Jason Moran Soundtrack to Human Motion Five Stars

Jason Moran's style is one that's hard to characterize, but easy to appreciate. If we look at the influences alone, it's clear he derives much from pianists Andrew Hill and Geri Allen. But style is more than influences. Moran possesses an unusual sense of expression that gets your attention immediately. He's also a great composer. The 25 year-old's Blue Note debut release "Soundtrack To Human Motion" provides amble demonstration of this.

Motion is propelled as much by the compositions as it is by the playing: Simple themes, rich harmonic backbone, and colorful arrangements. The way it should be! Moran uses the Ravel piece "Le Tombeau de Couperin" as an introduction to the trio number "States of Art". It's an effective transition, that shows his range on the instrument. His tribute to the 1980's painter Basquiat, "JAMO meets SAMO" is Monk-like and relaxed, featuring a nice bass solo from Lonnie Plaxico. The 7th track "Aquanaut", one of my favorites, gives the floor to his mentor, alto saxophonist Greg Osby. They exchange ideas as if they were having a conversation, a theme that recurs throughout the session. He closes with a beautiful ballad "Root Progression", played as duet with Osby on soprano.

Evident on these tracks is the support of a group that clearly enjoys these works as much as the composer. The colors created by Stefon Harris (vibes) enhance the calmer moments. But that's not all he's on board for: Harris's vibe solo on "Retrograde" soars. Everyone benefits from the inspired support of drummer Eric Harland, Jason's high school classmate, and bassist Lonnie Plaxico.

The final test for a jazz CD to me is whether it can serve the needs of the expert AND the novice. That is, it has an overall ambience which could fill a room like a good lamp. But at the same time, when you listen to the music, you are mesmerized and awe-struck. Guess what? That happened for me with this one.

FIVE STARS -- highest rating.

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