Artists Spotlights

July 2019

EDDIE MOORE

When you speak to Eddie Moore you find an ocean of calm, and when you listen to Eddie Moore  you find the depth of that ocean. Eddie reaches from the soul with every note, in a deep way, with a tension just below the surface. His yearning for exploration and curiosity in music contribute to an ebb and flow freedom of expression. 

Jazz runs deep in pianist and bandleader Eddie Moore's veins. Raised in Houston Texas, he began his musical journey at Texas Southern University where he later earned a Bachelors in Arts and immersed himself in the Houston music scene.  As a lifelong musician traversing a number of bands and styles  he relocated to Kansas City to study under Bobby Watson  at the University of Missouri-Kansas City where he received a M.A in Jazz Studies.

After forming Jazz/Fusion group Eddie Moore & The Outer Circle in 2012, diversity and inclusiveness have become to define Moore as an artist. His debut album,"The Freedom of Expression", was given 3.5 stars from Downbeat jazz magazine who has stated  "Moore's compositions exude a sophisticated soulful elegance that create a tastefully fulfilling venture into a range of dynamic pieces, with the musicianship to match.” 

Moore is also recipient of the 2016 Charlotte Street Generative Performance Award for his genre bending collaborations. 2017’s Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art “Artist in Residence” in collaboration with Rashid Johnson. In 2018 his work with The Outer Cirlce was nominated for an Indie Music Award for "007".

Moore’s expansive sensibilities have allowed him to perform and record with distinctive artist such as Bobby Watson, Pam, Watson, Logan Richardson, Maurice Brown, Boys II Men, Brian Blade and the Fellowship, John Baptiste, Krystal Warren, Matt Otto, Brandon Draper, Andre Hayward, Tivon Pennicott, IamNobodi, Various Blonde,  Dominique Sanders, 77 Jefferson, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, and the Marcus Lewis Big Band.

While maintaining a busy tour schedule Moore resides in Kansas City where he is an integral part of the music community creating opportunities for up and coming jazz artist. He is a member of the African America Arts Collective; and stays busy teaching several aspects of music through University of Kansas, Metropolitan Community College, Future Jazz, Midwest Jazz Camp, and privately at The Culture House.  

MARCUS LEWIS

Marcus holds a BM in jazz performance from Valdosta State University and MM in trombone performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Marcus currently lives in Kansas City, MO where he leads his own quintet, 18-piece big band and continues to tour with Grammy nominated vocalist, Janelle Monáe. Lewis also has a passion for education, as he is the Founder and Artistic Director of Future Jazz, a nonprofit dedicated to jazz education. In addition to that, he is the Adjunct Jazz Trombone Professor at the University of Missouri Kansas City Conservatory of Music and Dance.

Marcus released his debut CD in 2012 entitled “Facing East” which features a world class line-up including Logan Richardson on Alto Sax, Adam Larson on Tenor Sax, Pablo Masis on Trumpet, Andrea Lewis on Vocals, Sam Harris on Piano, Aidan Carroll on Bass, and Tommy Crane on Drums. The album was featured in Vogue Magazine as being one the top albums on Janelle Monae’s 2012 Summer Playlist. Marcus Lewis is currently working on music for a new CD to be released in the fall of 2018.

Marcus has performed at venues that include the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts, the Klaipeda Jazz Festival in 2003, and the Jimmy Carter Summer Concert Series in 2008. As a sideman, he has also performed at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards, the 2010 New Or- leans Jazz Fest, the 2011 Glastonbury Festival, the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize Concert and the 2012 North Sea Jazz Festival, the Sydney Opera House, and for President Barack Obama at the White House in 2011 and 2012. Television shows include SNL, David Letterman, The To- day Show, Jools Holland, Arsenio Hall, and American Idol. Marcus was awarded the 2008 Betty Carter Jazz Residency and the 2003 Outstanding Soloist award at the Wichita Jazz Festival.

Some notable artists that Marcus has performed and/or recorded with are Aretha Franklin, Prince, Janelle Monáe, Bruno Mars, B.o.B, Jidenna, Musiqsoulchild, Avery Sunshine, The Barkays, Con- funkshun, Quincy Jones and Sugarfoot’s Ohio Players. Marcus is a B.A.C. artist/endorser, and plays their trombones exclusively. In addition to an active touring and recording schedule, Marcus stays busy writing, arranging, teaching and leading clinics and master-classes worldwide.

Molly hammer

Molly Hammer has been performing in the Kansas City area since 2005. With an eclectic vocal background, she has found her home in the world of jazz and blues, drawing inspiration from the likes of Peggy Lee, Dinah Washington, Sara Vaughn, and many others. She has had the privilege of performing with some of the finest jazz musicians in the Kansas City area. You can hear her regularly at The Green Lady Lounge. She can also be seen and heard at one of the many Unity Churches in the area nearly every Sunday. Molly is a graduate of the Artist INC program and has also had the honor of singing the National Anthem for both The Royals and The Chiefs.