Stanton Moore - Conversations (2014)

Stanton Moore calls Conversations, his first straight-ahead jazz trio album, both “a return to my roots and a reinvention." The collection signifies “a return” to Moore's roots as he finally gets the opportunity to record with pianist David Torkanowsky and bassist James Singleton whom he came up playing alongside on the New Orleans club circuit. It's “a reinvention” because after years of delivering huge grooves and unrelenting funk at some of the world’s most revered rock clubs and festivals, Moore is stepping back to focus on the subtlety of swing and improvisation, while presenting the music at intimate venues like that of his jazz trio's home-base, Snug Harbor. As for the album's title, one listen and it's clear: there's a vigorous musical dialogue happening among the three musicians as they share stories, explore ideas and trade thought on tracks like "Lauren Z," "Big Greaze" and the Herbie Hancock classic "Driftin." The Big Easy is always close at hand with the majority of the album's repertoire being drawn from New Orleans composers, including James Black ("Magnolia Triangle" and "In The Keyhole"), Steve Masakowski ("The Chase") and Paul Barbarin (“Paul Barbarin's Second Line”). With Conversations, Stanton Moore shines a light on a side of his musical personality that will be new to fans, but every bit as compelling as the substantial body of work he's established over the course of his 20-year career.

Stanton Moore: Drums
David Torkanowsky: Piano
James Singleton: Bass