A Conversation with Jazz pianist Eddie Moore

AXS: 
Please describe your musical genre and what makes your sound unique?

Eddie Moore:
Our Genre is Modern Jazz, and our sound is modern. The Outer Circle investigates modern influences with those of tradition. Saturated with color, the melodies are lyrics that share my life experiences with the listener. I enjoy using mixed meter in composition to introduce twist and turns to the canvas creating a different mood with every piece that allows the soloist the upmost freedom with line and idea.

AXS:
Share your musical and personal background: How long have you been performing?

Eddie Moore:
The gift of music was imparted on me at an early age. At the urging of my mother, an accomplished singer, I started playing piano at the age of four. While immersing myself in the classical genre I was introduced to Jazz legends such as Miles Davis and John Coltrane by my father. Heavily influenced by the hip-hop, punk, and neo-soul music of my generation. These influences have informed my eclectic expression of musicianship. I've been performing since before I could remember.

AXS:
Who are your musical influences? Mentors? How did they shaped your music?

Eddie Moore:
Some of my musical influences are, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Black Star, Erykah Badu, Common, D' Angelo, Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock, Robert Glasper, and Jason Moran. These musicians influence me by what they do for music, and the creative spirit they share. Some of my closest mentors are Bobby Watson, Pam Watson, Harold Oneal, Joe Sample, Michael Carvin, Kevin Jackson, Bob Bowman, Angela Hagenbach, Andre Hayward and Jason Moran. All these musicians are also amazing people, they inspire me to reach and grow as a musician and as a person.

AXS:
When and where was your first gig? Please expand on it:

Eddie Moore:
My first gig. I believe my first gig was in Houston, TX. At a poetry/ art gallery in the 3rd ward on Alameda. I forget the name, and it has changed a few times. The gig was with my friend Matthew Hartnett who plays trombone in NYC now. We had a little combo from school and wanted to play some standards and stuff we were working on. It was fun, we were glad to get the opportunity to play, we were pretty young in the game “lol”. …So long ago.

AXS:
Talk about your connection to the audience. Is music a full time occupation?

Eddie Moore:
I feel blessed to say that music is my full time occupation. The connection with the audience is different every time, depending on where I'm playing. Sometimes the audience creates so much chatter it's hard to hear yourself on stage, and then there are the time where you can hear a pin drop. Regardless, I feel connected to them and always seem to touch the ones who are really out to listen.

AXS:
If you were not making music, what would you be doing?

Eddie Moore:
If I wasn't making music, I would probably be a photographer of some type, I love that art and have always done it as a hobby. I used to film a lot of our skate videos when I was younger and it was always a ton of fun. There was also a time where I had thought about designing skate parks too, spent a big portion of my life on that scene.

AXS:
What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

Eddie Moore:
I hope to be collaborating with great talented musicians from all over the world working on new and unique projects. I would also like to record a few more albums with my group the Outer Circle contributing to the legacy of Freedom of Expression through music. Then there's family, Ha Ha, which is all together a whole different thing.

AXS:
Do you have any scheduled tours in the near future?

Eddie Moore:
I actually just came off of tour with a Reggae band out of KC, 77 Jefferson opening for Groundation. On November 6th I will be heading out with another band I play with, Various Blonde promoting our debut album Summer High. We will be coming through the Midwest so look out for us this group is making some big waves.

AXS:
Is there anything else you think important for us to know about you?

Eddie Moore:
If you are in Kansas City visiting stop by the Green Lady Lounge on Saturdays 6-9 p.m. and catch the Outer Circle, Great drinks and music. Also check out our debut album The Freedom of Expression.