-Rolling Stone

 

Since his formidable emergence on the music scene in the late 90s, jazz pianist Jason Moran has proven more than his brilliance as a performer. The Blue Note Records recording artist has established himself as a risk-taker and innovator of new directions for jazz as a whole.

In almost every category that matters – improvisation, composition, group concept, repertoire, technique and experimentation – Moran, and his group The Bandwagon – with bassist Tarus Mateen and drummer Nasheet Waits – have challenged the status quo, and earned the reputation as "the future of jazz."

 

 

California born, Tarus Mateen, entered his professional career at age 12, making a three week tour of Jamaica West Indies. He opened for such greats as Freddie McGregor and Judy Mowatt. During the following three years, he continued performing in the states in the west coast areas. The bassist also did studio sessions for some of California's early rappers.

With an early start in his career, upon Tarus' graduation, he moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Morehouse College, majoring in Music. Hitting that scene by storm, he began working the local club circuit, playing a variety of styles on electric and upright bass. In 1987, Tarus was a guest of Reggae stars Sly & Robbie, where he performed on upright bass as a soloist - doing what he does, giving life to music.

His career skyrocketed when he moved to New York in late 1988 to land a one and a half year gig with legend be-bop singer, Betty Carter. Touring with Ms Carter and recording a Grammy-nominated CD in Europe and Asia gave Tarus Mateen phenomenal road travelling experience.

As a bassist, Tarus' demand placed him with Terance Blanchard, whom he worked with and recorded the Malcom X original score and the Grammy-nominated Malcom X jazz suite. He also laid the bass tracks for the scoring of Sugar Hill. Tarus recently recorded with and produced a track for the daughter of Diana Ross, Rhonda Ross.

 

 

Nasheet Waits, Drummer/Music Educator, is a New York native. His interest in playing the drums was encouraged by his father, legendary percussionist, Frederick Waits. Over the course of his career, Freddie Waits played with such legendary artists as Ella Fitzgerald, Sonny Rollins, Max Roach, McCoy Tyner, and countless others.

 

 

Piano: Jason Moran
Bass: Tarus Mateen 
Drums: Nasheet Waits