In the Studio with Jason Moran

Jason and the band perform the standard, “Summertime.”

Jason and the band perform the standard, “Summertime.”

Jason explains what jazz “standards” are, and how musicians all over the globe know how to play these pieces.

Jason explains what jazz “standards” are, and how musicians all over the globe know how to play these pieces.

Jason explains how jazz musicians and baseball players are more alike than you would think, and helps you understand how musicians communicate during a performance.

Jason explains how jazz musicians and baseball players are more alike than you would think, and helps you understand how musicians communicate during a performance.

What are your musical “tastes?” Jason talks about what the responsibility of the audience is, and gives some tips about how to enjoy a jazz performance.

What are your musical “tastes?” Jason talks about what the responsibility of the audience is, and gives some tips about how to enjoy a jazz performance.

Jason and the band improvise and vamp using the classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller. Make sure to pay attention to Jason’s new headwear.

Jason and the band improvise and vamp using the classic “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller. Make sure to pay attention to Jason’s new headwear.

How is Jazz like a football play? Jason explains “hits” in jazz—and how players know how to navigate the music. The band then plays “Evidence” by Thelonious Monk to illustrate the point.

How is Jazz like a football play? Jason explains “hits” in jazz—and how players know how to navigate the music. The band then plays “Evidence” by Thelonious Monk to illustrate the point.

Using the metaphor of “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” Jason explains what jazz means and how it works.

Using the metaphor of “Harold and the Purple Crayon,” Jason explains what jazz means and how it works.

While listening to a recording of a financial report, Jason creates a new composition using the sound of the reporter’s voice as his inspiration

While listening to a recording of a financial report, Jason creates a new composition using the sound of the reporter’s voice as his inspiration.

Jason talks about the musicality of language, and then plays his original composition, "Ringing My Phone."

Jason talks about the musicality of language, and then plays his original composition, "Ringing My Phone."

The Kennedy Center’s Artistic Advisor for Jazz Jason Moran introduces himself and shares his thoughts on innovation and creativity—through the lens of skateboarding and Jazz.

The Kennedy Center’s Artistic Advisor for Jazz Jason Moran introduces himself and shares his thoughts on innovation and creativity—through the lens of skateboarding and Jazz.