Kansas City jazz pianist forges pathways to grow the genre, attract new music lovers
When Eddie Moore relocated to Kansas City from Houston, Texas in 2011, he aimed to immerse himself in one of the most historically rich centers of jazz music.
The jazz pianist, who had a lifelong passion for playing music, discovered a vibrant community of skilled musicians who shared his enthusiasm for collaboration and pushing the boundaries of the genre.
However, Moore found himself confronting the deeply rooted traditions of what Kansas City jazz was expected to sound like. He spent years advocating for young jazz artists in Kansas City and opening up new paths for them to explore beyond the conventional boundaries of that musical style.
Through collaborations with organizations such as the Charlotte Street Foundation, Moore has led initiatives like ProdoLab, a project that pairs musicians with visual artists to craft unique performances and attract fresh audiences in the KC metro.
Recently, Moore sat down with The Kansas City Star’s culture and identity reporter, J.M. Banks, to talk about his passion for music and introducing young music lovers and musicians to the depths and freedom of jazz performance.
Can you begin by telling me about your early life and how you got into music?
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I started playing piano through lessons as a kid. My mom forced that on me as a chore and around high school I wanted to quit to join the marching band and do percussion. Around that time I got introduced to jazz band. I got hooked and went to college to be a jazz musician and got my bachelor’s degree in music. After that I moved to Kansas City and got my master’s (degree) in jazz music. I moved here because I wanted to really learn how to play traditional jazz.
Can you tell me about your work
I am a jazz artist first and foremost. My work spans throughout the music industry. I’m a publisher, song writer. I am also a studio musician for hire. I play a lot of live gigs anywhere from your regular club dates, performing at restaurants, festivals and touring. I perform my own original music on the side when I get a chance. I do work in business education through Artist Inc. which is an affiliate of Mid America Art Alliance and Charlotte Street and I curate a program for a series called Prodolab. Also I am the piano studio professional development adjuct at KU, (University of Kansas).
Can you tell me about your Prodolab initiative with Charlotte Street?
It is basically a one night performance with multi-media artists and a collaboration between them and a music artist. It is mostly focused on original music and together they put together a big stage production. We provide you with the budget, gear and stage then the musician is matched with a visual artist who is involved with the stage setup, production and projections. The concerts are one night only and free for the public. Afterwards we do a 15 minute Q&A. It allows Charlotte Street to see some pretty crazy performances and collaboration. Collaboration is a big part of my artistry, so to be able to curate and put people together is a big thing for me.
How would you describe your music to someone who has never heard you play?
I would best describe my music as adventurous. It’s like you’re on a bike going downhill; it’s rolling and you can’t stop and you just kind of have to take it all and jump over things and be ready for what comes next. My music is different, but also immersive is the best way I could describe it.
What are the challenges that you face in your career?
I think the biggest challenge is trying to get around the complacency and small mindedness in the genre in general. People here in Kansas City play traditional jazz and a lot of times venues want a traditional jazz sound and that makes it tough if you don’t fit into that sound. I think we get stuck in our ways. Miles Davis didn’t stick to tradition and neither did Duke Ellington before him. Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane or Charlie Parker, which is crazy because these are our legends and pioneers but jazz has sort of been stuck in a routine. Jazz is suppose to evolve, change and grow. We need to get back to the roots of the music and grow to bring in new people otherwise who are we trying to share it with?
How do you feel your work impacts the community around you?
I think by being one of the voices among the younger generation of jazz musicians that is willing to challenge the way things are. We have lost so many jazz artists who have had to move away and do their own thing in other markets. With us being a World Cup city, I am focused on seeing how we present our city’s jazz to the world. I have students that have some skills and they deserve to have the same opportunity to play in these places, these festivals and have a platform to be heard. That is a lot of what I do, try to bring people together and create opportunities for musicians to grow.
What is the most fulfilling part of your work?
I think the thing I most enjoy is the collaborations. I love working with other people. Music is a collaborative thing for me and whether I am in the studio or performing with a band it is always like this underlying thing.
Do you have a personal motto or philosophy that guides you?
Just be yourself and don’t let anyone tell you anything different.
What are your goals for the future?
I want to get back into touring and performing more. I want to be able to take my music to different markets.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to follow the same career path as yourself?
You will have to stay disciplined on the art and the craft. Never stop learning, or growing as an artist.
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This story was originally published January 11, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
