The Pace Report: "From The Dancehall to the Battlefield" The Jason Moran Interview
Welcome to this special edition of ‪@ThePaceReport‬ live from Marcus Garvey Park at this year's 2023 Harlem Week Festivities in Harlem, New York.
James Reese Europe was a very important figure in Black American Music. Europe was responsible for introducing jazz music to to Europe during World War I as an early 20th century bandleader and soldier of the 369th Infantry known as the "Harlem Hellfighters." As a person of color, He was also one of the composers who advanced the development of Ragtime and invented "The Big Knot." Upon his return from active duty Europe formed The Clef Club in New York City that featured both a choir and orchestra with over 200 members.
During this year's 2023 Harlem Week festivities, pianist and composer Jason Moran curated and performed the music of the legendary James Reese Europe with his "From The Dancehall To The Battlefield". The music from this Summerstage and Jazzmobile performance at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem, is the title of his latest album which is now available on Yes Records and all digital streaming platforms. Moran first performed Europe's music at the Kennedy Center and is currently about to take his band The Big Bandwagon on the road.
Moran was introduced to the music and history of Europe by NEA Jazz Master and pianist Randy Weston. He told him to study Europe's music and over the years he not only recorded a tribute record on him, Moran is now leading the cause to educate people on his legacy. In addition to Europe serving his country, he encouraged Black musicians to compose their own music. He was also the first composer of color to perform and conduct music at the famed Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Jason and I sat down before his performance to reflect on the legacy of James Reese Europe and why his music was the influence of bandleaders and composers ranging from Duke Ellington to Count Basie.
For more info on Jason's upcoming Big Bandwagon concert dates or to order his latest album "From The Dancehall to the Battlefield", please visit him online at JasonMoran.com or Facebook.com/JasonMoran
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